Are There Only Three Ways to Solve Quadratic Equation?

In summary, in class, we've learned about several methods to solve equations, including factoring and setting equal to zero, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula. Other methods include graphing, guessing, and numerically approximating the root. Additionally, there are more advanced methods such as using trigonometry, differential equations, and linear algebra. Asking the teacher for help is also a valid approach.
  • #1
bballwaterboy
85
3
In class, we've learned:

1.) Factoring and Setting Equal to Zero
2.) Completing the Square
3.) Quadratic Formula

Are there any other methods? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
A nice website.
Anyway, solving an equation (of any order or type) can be done in several different ways.
See that "Factoring and Setting Equal to Zero" does not solve anything. You do not set it to zero. Factoring here implies that one side will not have any terms.

You could also: graph it and see where it intercepts the x axis.
"Randomly" guess a root until you find one. (Remember to eat once in a while, otherwise you may perish during this task)

There are a few methods to numerically approximate a root.
[tex]\text{Let }p(x) = x^2 - 6x + 8. \text{ Find y such that }p(y) = 0.[/tex]
Try 0. You get 8.
Try 3. You get -1.
From this you know that there is a possible value for y in the range (0, 3).

A computer or a calculator can do this rather quickly and with very good precision.
 
  • #3
bballwaterboy said:
In class, we've learned:

1.) Factoring and Setting Equal to Zero
2.) Completing the Square
3.) Quadratic Formula

Are there any other methods? Thanks.

(2) and (3) are the same method.
 
  • #4
^you could say (1), (2), and (3) are the same method. It depends how you count them. You could also break each into several cases.
mafagafo has some good ideas numerical, graphical, and guessing based methods and many versions of each. Quadratic equations are simple, but trigonometry, differential equations, and linear algebra can be used to solve quadratics as well as higher polynomials.
 
  • #5
There is another way that sometimes works ask the teacher... :-)
 
  • #7
2 and 3 are the same, and as far as factoring goes, that only works if you already know one root
 
  • #8
DivergentSpectrum said:
2 and 3 are the same, and as far as factoring goes, that only works if you already know one root
It's not necessary to know one root in order to factor a quadratic polynomial.
 

Related to Are There Only Three Ways to Solve Quadratic Equation?

1. What are the three ways to solve a quadratic equation?

The three main methods for solving a quadratic equation are factoring, using the quadratic formula, and completing the square. Each method has its own advantages and may be more suitable for certain types of equations.

2. Can all quadratic equations be solved using these three methods?

Yes, all quadratic equations can be solved using one of these three methods. However, some equations may require additional techniques or methods to simplify before using one of the main methods.

3. Which method is the most efficient for solving quadratic equations?

The most efficient method for solving a quadratic equation can vary depending on the equation itself. In general, factoring is the quickest method if the equation is easily factorable. The quadratic formula is a universal method that can be used for any quadratic equation, but it involves more steps and calculations. Completing the square is often used as a last resort when the other two methods do not work.

4. Are there any other methods for solving quadratic equations?

Yes, there are other methods such as graphing, using the square root property, and using Newton's method. However, these methods are not as commonly used as the three main methods mentioned above.

5. How do I know which method to use for a specific quadratic equation?

The best way to determine which method to use is by looking at the form of the equation. If the equation is already in factored form, then factoring is the obvious choice. If the equation is not factorable, then the quadratic formula is the next best option. Completing the square is usually only used when the equation is in a specific form, such as when the coefficient of the squared term is not 1.

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