\[
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 – 4ac}}{2a}
\]
Explanation:
This formula is used to find the solutions (roots) of any quadratic equation of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). The discriminant, \(b^2 – 4ac\), determines whether the roots are real or complex.
Step-by-step solution:
- Identify the coefficients \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) from the quadratic equation.
Since the specific quadratic is not given, assume the general form:
\[
ax^2 + bx + c = 0
\]
- Calculate the discriminant:
\[
D = b^2 – 4ac
\]
- Compute the roots using the quadratic formula:
\[
x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{D}}{2a}
\]
Example (assuming specific values):
Suppose the quadratic is \(2x^2 + 3x – 2 = 0\). Then:
- \(a = 2\)
- \(b = 3\)
- \(c = -2\)
Calculate discriminant:
\[
D = 3^2 – 4 \times 2 \times (-2) = 9 + 16 = 25
\]
Calculate roots:
\[
x = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{25}}{2 \times 2} = \frac{-3 \pm 5}{4}
\]
- First root:
\[
x = \frac{-3 + 5}{4} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}
\]
- Second root:
\[
x = \frac{-3 – 5}{4} = \frac{-8}{4} = -2
\]
Final answer:
The roots are \(x = \frac{1}{2}\) and \(x = -2\).
Note: Without specific values for \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), this is the general method. If you provide the specific quadratic, I can give the exact solutions.