Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
This lesson will review the process of factoring as a method of solving quadratic equations.
Def n: Quadratic equations are normally expressed as
where a does not equal zero.
Many of the simpler quadratic equations with rational roots can be solved by factoring.
To solve a quadratic equation by factoring:
1. Start with the equation in the form
Be sure it is set equal to zero!
2. Factor the left hand side (assuming zero is on the right)
3. Set each factor equal to zero
4. Solve to determine the roots (the values of x)
Let’s examine some possible situations:
