A polynomial of degree two is called a quadratic polynomial. When a quadratic polynomial is equated to zero, it is called a quadratic equation.
Quadratic polynomial: A polynomial of degree 2.
Quadratic equation: An equation having degree 2.
General form of a quadratic equation: ax2 + bx + c = 0, a ≠ 0 where a, b, c are real numbers and x is a variable.
Roots of a quadratic equation: Values of variable which satisfy a quadratic equation. α is a root of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, if aα2 + bα + c = 0. A quadric equation has two roots.
Zeros of a quadratic polynomial and the roots of the corresponding quadratic equation are the same.
Methods for solution of quadratic equation:
- Factor method
- Using the quadratic formula
Factor method: Factorise ax2 + bx + c , a ≠ 0 into a product of two linear factors. Equate each factor to zero and get the values of the variable. These values are the required roots of the given quadratic equation.
Quadratic formula: The roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 are:
$$ x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} $$
Discriminant: The expression b2 - 4ac is called discriminant of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 and denoted by D.
Nature of Roots: A quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 (a ≠ 0) has
- two distinct real roots if D = b2 - 4ac > 0
- two equal (or coincident) and real roots if D = b2 - 4ac = 0
- no real root if D = b2 - 4ac < 0
Word Problems: To solve a word problem using quadratic equations, convert the given problem in the form of a quadratic equation and then solve the equation by using factor method or quadratic formula.