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Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

The Quadratic Formula

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

In this video lesson, students encounter the quadratic formula and learn that it can be used to solve any quadratic equation. They use the formula and verify that it produces the same solutions as those found using other methods, but can be much more practical for certain equations.

Using the quadratic formula to solve equations requires students to attend carefully to the parameters in the given equations (MP6) and to apply different properties of operations flexibly as they reason symbolically (MP2).

    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra I with Probability

    MA19.A1.9

    Select an appropriate method to solve a quadratic equation in one variable.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.A1.9

    Vocabulary

    • Completing the square
    • Quadratic equations
    • Quadratic formula
    • Inspection
    • Imaginary numbers
    • Binomials
    • Trinomials

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Any real number has two square roots, that is, if a is the square root of a real number then so is -a.
    • The method for completing the square.
    • Notational methods for expressing complex numbers.
    • A quadratic equation in standard form (ax2+bx+c=0) has real roots when b2-4ac is greater than or equal to zero and complex roots when b2-4ac is less than zero.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Accurately use properties of equality and other algebraic manipulations including taking square roots of both sides of an equation.
    • Accurately complete the square on a quadratic polynomial as a strategy for finding solutions to quadratic equations.
    • Factor quadratic polynomials as a strategy for finding solutions to quadratic equations.
    • Rewrite solutions to quadratic equations in useful forms including a ± bi and simplified radical expressions.
    • Make strategic choices about which procedures (inspection, completing the square, factoring, and quadratic formula) to use to reach a solution to a quadratic equation.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Solutions to a quadratic equation must make the original equation true and this should be verified.
    • When the quadratic equation is derived from a contextual situation, proposed solutions to the quadratic equation should be verified within the context given, as well as mathematically.
    • Different procedures for solving quadratic equations are necessary under different conditions.
    • If ab=0, then at least one of a or b must be zero (a=0 or b=0) and this is then used to produce the two solutions to the quadratic equation.
    • Whether the roots of a quadratic equation are real or complex is determined by the coefficients of the quadratic equation in standard form (ax2+bx+c=0).
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    PD
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