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How to Solve a Quadratic Equation Using the Quadratic Formula

To solve a quadratic equation using the Quadratic Formula, follow a four-step procedure:

Step 1. Write the quadratic equation in standard form and identify the coefficients. Rearrange the equation into the form ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0 if it is not already, then determine the values of aa, bb, and cc.

Step 2. Write the Quadratic Formula and substitute. Write out x=b±b24ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}, then replace aa, bb, and cc with the specific values identified in Step 1.

Step 3. Simplify. Evaluate the expression under the square root by computing b24acb^2 - 4ac, take the square root of the result, and perform the remaining arithmetic to obtain the two solutions.

Step 4. Check the solutions. Substitute each solution back into the original equation and verify that both sides yield a true statement.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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