The discriminant, as well as quadratic equations, begin to be studied in the algebra course in grade 8. You can solve a quadratic equation through the discriminant and using the Vieta theorem. The methodology for studying quadratic equations, as well as the discriminant formula, is rather unsuccessfully instilled in schoolchildren, like much in real education. Therefore, school years pass, education in grades 9-11 replaces "higher education" and everyone is again looking for - "How to solve a quadratic equation?", "How to find the roots of an equation?", "How to find the discriminant?" and...

Discriminant Formula

The discriminant D of the quadratic equation a*x^2+bx+c=0 is D=b^2–4*a*c.
The roots (solutions) of the quadratic equation depend on the sign of the discriminant (D):
D>0 - the equation has 2 different real roots;
D=0 - the equation has 1 root (2 coinciding roots):
D<0 – не имеет действительных корней (в школьной теории). В ВУЗах изучают комплексные числа и уже на множестве комплексных чисел уравнение с отрицательным дискриминантом имеет два комплексных корня.
The formula for calculating the discriminant is quite simple, so many sites offer an online discriminant calculator. We have not figured out this kind of scripts yet, so who knows how to implement this, please write to the mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view. .

General formula for finding the roots of a quadratic equation:

The roots of the equation are found by the formula
If the coefficient of the variable in the square is paired, then it is advisable to calculate not the discriminant, but its fourth part
In such cases, the roots of the equation are found by the formula

The second way to find roots is Vieta's Theorem.

The theorem is formulated not only for quadratic equations, but also for polynomials. You can read this on Wikipedia or other electronic resources. However, to simplify, consider that part of it that concerns the reduced quadratic equations, that is, equations of the form (a=1)
The essence of the Vieta formulas is that the sum of the roots of the equation is equal to the coefficient of the variable, taken with the opposite sign. The product of the roots of the equation is equal to the free term. The formulas of Vieta's theorem have a notation.
The derivation of the Vieta formula is quite simple. Let's write the quadratic equation in terms of prime factors
As you can see, everything ingenious is simple at the same time. It is effective to use the Vieta formula when the difference in the modulus of the roots or the difference in the modulus of the roots is 1, 2. For example, the following equations, according to the Vieta theorem, have roots




Up to 4 equation analysis should look like this. The product of the roots of the equation is 6, so the roots can be the values ​​(1, 6) and (2, 3) or pairs with the opposite sign. The sum of the roots is 7 (the coefficient of the variable with the opposite sign). From here we conclude that the solutions of the quadratic equation are equal to x=2; x=3.
It is easier to select the roots of the equation among the divisors of the free term, correcting their sign in order to fulfill the Vieta formulas. At the beginning, this seems difficult to do, but with practice on a number of quadratic equations, this technique will be more efficient than calculating the discriminant and finding the roots of the quadratic equation in the classical way.
As you can see, the school theory of studying the discriminant and ways to find solutions to the equation is devoid of practical meaning - "Why do schoolchildren need a quadratic equation?", "What is the physical meaning of the discriminant?".

Let's try to figure it out what does the discriminant describe?

In the course of algebra, they study functions, schemes for studying functions and plotting functions. Of all the functions, an important place is occupied by a parabola, the equation of which can be written in the form
So the physical meaning of the quadratic equation is the zeros of the parabola, that is, the points of intersection of the graph of the function with the abscissa axis Ox
I ask you to remember the properties of parabolas that are described below. The time will come to take exams, tests, or entrance exams and you will be grateful for the reference material. The sign of the variable in the square corresponds to whether the branches of the parabola on the graph will go up (a>0),

or a parabola with branches down (a<0) .

The vertex of the parabola lies midway between the roots

The physical meaning of the discriminant:

If the discriminant is greater than zero (D>0), the parabola has two points of intersection with the Ox axis.
If the discriminant is equal to zero (D=0), then the parabola at the top touches the x-axis.
And the last case, when the discriminant is less than zero (D<0) – график параболы принадлежит плоскости над осью абсцисс (ветки параболы вверх), или график полностью под осью абсцисс (ветки параболы опущены вниз).

Incomplete quadratic equations

Quadratic equations. Discriminant. Solution, examples.

Attention!
There are additional
material in Special Section 555.
For those who strongly "not very..."
And for those who "very much...")

Types of quadratic equations

What is a quadratic equation? What does it look like? In term quadratic equation keyword is "square". It means that in the equation necessarily there must be an x ​​squared. In addition to it, in the equation there may be (or may not be!) Just x (to the first degree) and just a number (free member). And there should not be x's in a degree greater than two.

In mathematical terms, a quadratic equation is an equation of the form:

Here a, b and c- some numbers. b and c- absolutely any, but a- anything but zero. For example:

Here a =1; b = 3; c = -4

Here a =2; b = -0,5; c = 2,2

Here a =-3; b = 6; c = -18

Well, you get the idea...

In these quadratic equations, on the left, there is full set members. x squared with coefficient a, x to the first power with coefficient b and free member of

Such quadratic equations are called complete.

And if b= 0, what will we get? We have X will disappear in the first degree. This happens from multiplying by zero.) It turns out, for example:

5x 2 -25 = 0,

2x 2 -6x=0,

-x 2 +4x=0

Etc. And if both coefficients b and c are equal to zero, then it is even simpler:

2x 2 \u003d 0,

-0.3x 2 \u003d 0

Such equations, where something is missing, are called incomplete quadratic equations. Which is quite logical.) Please note that x squared is present in all equations.

By the way why a can't be zero? And you substitute instead a zero.) The X in the square will disappear! The equation will become linear. And it's done differently...

That's all the main types of quadratic equations. Complete and incomplete.

Solution of quadratic equations.

Solution of complete quadratic equations.

Quadratic equations are easy to solve. According to formulas and clear simple rules. At the first stage, it is necessary to bring the given equation to the standard form, i.e. to the view:

If the equation is already given to you in this form, you do not need to do the first stage.) The main thing is to correctly determine all the coefficients, a, b and c.

The formula for finding the roots of a quadratic equation looks like this:

The expression under the root sign is called discriminant. But more about him below. As you can see, to find x, we use only a, b and c. Those. coefficients from the quadratic equation. Just carefully substitute the values a, b and c into this formula and count. Substitute with your signs! For example, in the equation:

a =1; b = 3; c= -4. Here we write:

Example almost solved:

This is the answer.

Everything is very simple. And what do you think, you can't go wrong? Well, yes, how...

The most common mistakes are confusion with the signs of values a, b and c. Or rather, not with their signs (where is there to be confused?), But with the substitution of negative values ​​​​into the formula for calculating the roots. Here, a detailed record of the formula with specific numbers saves. If there are problems with calculations, so do it!

Suppose we need to solve the following example:

Here a = -6; b = -5; c = -1

Let's say you know that you rarely get answers the first time.

Well, don't be lazy. It will take 30 seconds to write an extra line. And the number of errors will drop sharply. So we write in detail, with all the brackets and signs:

It seems incredibly difficult to paint so carefully. But it only seems. Try it. Well, or choose. Which is better, fast, or right? Besides, I will make you happy. After a while, there will be no need to paint everything so carefully. It will just turn out right. Especially if you apply practical techniques, which are described below. This evil example with a bunch of minuses will be solved easily and without errors!

But, often, quadratic equations look slightly different. For example, like this:

Did you know?) Yes! This is incomplete quadratic equations.

Solution of incomplete quadratic equations.

They can also be solved by the general formula. You just need to correctly figure out what is equal here a, b and c.

Realized? In the first example a = 1; b = -4; a c? It doesn't exist at all! Well, yes, that's right. In mathematics, this means that c = 0 ! That's all. Substitute zero into the formula instead of c, and everything will work out for us. Similarly with the second example. Only zero we don't have here with, a b !

But incomplete quadratic equations can be solved much easier. Without any formulas. Consider the first incomplete equation. What can be done on the left side? You can take the X out of brackets! Let's take it out.

And what from this? And the fact that the product is equal to zero if, and only if any of the factors is equal to zero! Don't believe? Well, then come up with two non-zero numbers that, when multiplied, will give zero!
Does not work? Something...
Therefore, we can confidently write: x 1 = 0, x 2 = 4.

Everything. These will be the roots of our equation. Both fit. When substituting any of them into the original equation, we get the correct identity 0 = 0. As you can see, the solution is much simpler than the general formula. I note, by the way, which X will be the first, and which the second - it is absolutely indifferent. Easy to write in order x 1- whichever is less x 2- that which is more.

The second equation can also be easily solved. We move 9 to the right side. We get:

It remains to extract the root from 9, and that's it. Get:

also two roots . x 1 = -3, x 2 = 3.

This is how all incomplete quadratic equations are solved. Either by taking X out of brackets, or by simply transferring the number to the right, followed by extracting the root.
It is extremely difficult to confuse these methods. Simply because in the first case you will have to extract the root from X, which is somehow incomprehensible, and in the second case there is nothing to take out of brackets ...

Discriminant. Discriminant formula.

Magic word discriminant ! A rare high school student has not heard this word! The phrase “decide through the discriminant” is reassuring and reassuring. Because there is no need to wait for tricks from the discriminant! It is simple and trouble-free to use.) I remind you of the most general formula for solving any quadratic equations:

The expression under the root sign is called the discriminant. The discriminant is usually denoted by the letter D. Discriminant formula:

D = b 2 - 4ac

And what is so special about this expression? Why does it deserve a special name? What meaning of the discriminant? After all -b, or 2a in this formula they don’t specifically name ... Letters and letters.

The point is this. When solving a quadratic equation using this formula, it is possible only three cases.

1. The discriminant is positive. This means that you can extract the root from it. Whether the root is extracted well or badly is another question. It is important what is extracted in principle. Then your quadratic equation has two roots. Two different solutions.

2. The discriminant is zero. Then you have one solution. Since adding or subtracting zero in the numerator does not change anything. Strictly speaking, this is not a single root, but two identical. But, in a simplified version, it is customary to talk about one solution.

3. The discriminant is negative. A negative number does not take the square root. Well, okay. This means there are no solutions.

To be honest, with a simple solution of quadratic equations, the concept of a discriminant is not really required. We substitute the values ​​​​of the coefficients in the formula, and we consider. There everything turns out by itself, and two roots, and one, and not a single one. However, when solving more complex tasks, without knowledge meaning and discriminant formula not enough. Especially - in equations with parameters. Such equations are aerobatics for the GIA and the Unified State Examination!)

So, how to solve quadratic equations through the discriminant you remembered. Or learned, which is also not bad.) You know how to correctly identify a, b and c. Do you know how attentively substitute them into the root formula and attentively count the result. Did you understand that the key word here is - attentively?

Now take note of the practical techniques that dramatically reduce the number of errors. The very ones that are due to inattention ... For which it is then painful and insulting ...

First reception . Do not be lazy before solving a quadratic equation to bring it to a standard form. What does this mean?
Suppose, after any transformations, you get the following equation:

Do not rush to write the formula of the roots! You will almost certainly mix up the odds a, b and c. Build the example correctly. First, x squared, then without a square, then a free member. Like this:

And again, do not rush! The minus before the x squared can upset you a lot. Forgetting it is easy... Get rid of the minus. How? Yes, as taught in the previous topic! We need to multiply the whole equation by -1. We get:

And now you can safely write down the formula for the roots, calculate the discriminant and complete the example. Decide on your own. You should end up with roots 2 and -1.

Second reception. Check your roots! According to Vieta's theorem. Don't worry, I'll explain everything! Checking last thing the equation. Those. the one by which we wrote down the formula of the roots. If (as in this example) the coefficient a = 1, check the roots easily. It is enough to multiply them. You should get a free term, i.e. in our case -2. Pay attention, not 2, but -2! free member with your sign . If it didn’t work out, it means they already messed up somewhere. Look for an error.

If it worked out, you need to fold the roots. Last and final check. Should be a ratio b with opposite sign. In our case -1+2 = +1. A coefficient b, which is before the x, is equal to -1. So, everything is correct!
It is a pity that it is so simple only for examples where x squared is pure, with a coefficient a = 1. But at least check in such equations! There will be fewer mistakes.

Reception third . If your equation has fractional coefficients, get rid of the fractions! Multiply the equation by the common denominator as described in the lesson "How to solve equations? Identity transformations". When working with fractions, errors, for some reason, climb ...

By the way, I promised an evil example with a bunch of minuses to simplify. You are welcome! There he is.

In order not to get confused in the minuses, we multiply the equation by -1. We get:

That's all! Deciding is fun!

So let's recap the topic.

Practical Tips:

1. Before solving, we bring the quadratic equation to the standard form, build it right.

2. If there is a negative coefficient in front of the x in the square, we eliminate it by multiplying the entire equation by -1.

3. If the coefficients are fractional, we eliminate the fractions by multiplying the entire equation by the corresponding factor.

4. If x squared is pure, the coefficient for it is equal to one, the solution can be easily checked by Vieta's theorem. Do it!

Now you can decide.)

Solve Equations:

8x 2 - 6x + 1 = 0

x 2 + 3x + 8 = 0

x 2 - 4x + 4 = 0

(x+1) 2 + x + 1 = (x+1)(x+2)

Answers (in disarray):

x 1 = 0
x 2 = 5

x 1.2 =2

x 1 = 2
x 2 \u003d -0.5

x - any number

x 1 = -3
x 2 = 3

no solutions

x 1 = 0.25
x 2 \u003d 0.5

Does everything fit? Fine! Quadratic equations are not your headache. The first three turned out, but the rest did not? Then the problem is not in quadratic equations. The problem is in identical transformations of equations. Take a look at the link, it's helpful.

Doesn't quite work? Or does it not work at all? Then Section 555 will help you. There, all these examples are sorted by bones. Showing main errors in the solution. Of course, the application of identical transformations in solving various equations is also described. Helps a lot!

If you like this site...

By the way, I have a couple more interesting sites for you.)

You can practice solving examples and find out your level. Testing with instant verification. Learning - with interest!)

you can get acquainted with functions and derivatives.

For example, for the trinomial \(3x^2+2x-7\), the discriminant will be \(2^2-4\cdot3\cdot(-7)=4+84=88\). And for the trinomial \(x^2-5x+11\), it will be equal to \((-5)^2-4\cdot1\cdot11=25-44=-19\).

The discriminant is denoted by the letter \(D\) and is often used when solving. Also, by the value of the discriminant, you can understand what the graph looks like (see below).

Discriminant and roots of the quadratic equation

The value of the discriminant shows the amount of the quadratic equation:
- if \(D\) is positive, the equation will have two roots;
- if \(D\) is equal to zero - only one root;
- if \(D\) is negative, there are no roots.

This does not need to be taught, it is easy to come to such a conclusion, simply knowing that from the discriminant (that is, \(\sqrt(D)\) is included in the formula for calculating the roots of the quadratic equation: \(x_(1)=\)\( \frac(-b+\sqrt(D))(2a)\) and \(x_(2)=\)\(\frac(-b-\sqrt(D))(2a)\) Let's look at each case more.

If the discriminant is positive

In this case, the root of it is some positive number, which means \(x_(1)\) and \(x_(2)\) will be different in value, because in the first formula \(\sqrt(D)\) is added , and in the second - is subtracted. And we have two different roots.

Example : Find the roots of the equation \(x^2+2x-3=0\)
Decision :

Answer : \(x_(1)=1\); \(x_(2)=-3\)

If the discriminant is zero

And how many roots will there be if the discriminant is zero? Let's reason.

The root formulas look like this: \(x_(1)=\)\(\frac(-b+\sqrt(D))(2a)\) and \(x_(2)=\)\(\frac(-b- \sqrt(D))(2a)\) . And if the discriminant is zero, then the root of it is also zero. Then it turns out:

\(x_(1)=\)\(\frac(-b+\sqrt(D))(2a)\) \(=\)\(\frac(-b+\sqrt(0))(2a)\) \(=\)\(\frac(-b+0)(2a)\) \(=\)\(\frac(-b)(2a)\)

\(x_(2)=\)\(\frac(-b-\sqrt(D))(2a)\) \(=\)\(\frac(-b-\sqrt(0))(2a) \) \(=\)\(\frac(-b-0)(2a)\) \(=\)\(\frac(-b)(2a)\)

That is, the values ​​of the roots of the equation will match, because adding or subtracting zero does not change anything.

Example : Find the roots of the equation \(x^2-4x+4=0\)
Decision :

\(x^2-4x+4=0\)		We write out the coefficients:
\(a=1;\) \(b=-4;\) \(c=4;\)		Calculate the discriminant using the formula \(D=b^2-4ac\)
\(D=(-4)^2-4\cdot1\cdot4=\) \(=16-16=0\)		Finding the roots of the equation
\(x_(1)=\) \(\frac(-(-4)+\sqrt(0))(2\cdot1)\)\(=\)\(\frac(4)(2)\) \(=2\) \(x_(2)=\) \(\frac(-(-4)-\sqrt(0))(2\cdot1)\)\(=\)\(\frac(4)(2)\) \(=2\)		We got two identical roots, so it makes no sense to write them separately - we write them down as one.

Answer : \(x=2\)

Let's consider the problem. The base of the rectangle is 10 cm longer than the height, and its area is 24 cm². Find the height of the rectangle. Let be X centimeters is the height of the rectangle, then its base is ( X+10) cm. The area of ​​this rectangle is X(X+ 10) cm². According to the task X(X+ 10) = 24. Expanding the brackets and transferring the number 24 with the opposite sign to the left side of the equation, we get: X² + 10 X-24 = 0. When solving this problem, an equation was obtained, which is called a quadratic equation.

A quadratic equation is an equation of the form

ax ²+ bx+c= 0

where a, b, c are given numbers, and a≠ 0, and X- unknown.

Odds a, b, c The quadratic equation is usually called like this: a- the first or highest coefficient, b- the second coefficient, c- free member. For example, in our problem, the senior coefficient is 1, the second coefficient is 10, the free term is -24. The solution of many problems of mathematics and physics is reduced to the solution of quadratic equations.

Solving quadratic equations

Complete quadratic equations. The first step is to bring the given equation to the standard form ax²+ bx+ c= 0. Let's return to our problem, in which the equation can be written as X(X+ 10) = 24 let's bring it to the standard form, open the brackets X² + 10 X- 24 = 0, we solve this equation using the formula of the roots of a general quadratic equation.

The expression under the root sign in this formula is called the discriminant D = b² - 4 ac

If D>0, then the quadratic equation has two different roots, which can be found by the formula of the roots of the quadratic equation.

If D=0, then the quadratic equation has one root.

If D<0, то квадратное уравнение не имеет действительных корней, т. е. не имеет решения.

Substitute the values ​​in our formula a= 1, b= 10, c= -24.

we get D>0, so we get two roots.

Consider an example where D=0, under this condition, one root should be obtained.

25x² - 30 x+ 9 = 0

Consider an example where D<0, при этом условии решения не должно быть.

2x² + 3 x+ 4 = 0

The number under the root sign (discriminant) is negative, we write the answer as follows: the equation has no real roots.

Solving incomplete quadratic equations

Quadratic equation ax² + bx+ c= 0 is called incomplete if at least one of the coefficients b or c equals zero. An incomplete quadratic equation is an equation of one of the following types:

ax² = 0,

ax² + c= 0, c≠ 0,

ax² + bx= 0, b≠ 0.

Consider a few examples, solve the equation

Dividing both sides of the equation by 5, we get the equation X² = 0, the answer will have one root X= 0.

Consider an equation of the form

3X² - 27 = 0

Dividing both sides by 3, we get the equation X² - 9 = 0, or it can be written X² = 9, the answer will have two roots X= 3 and X= -3.

Consider an equation of the form

2X² + 7 = 0

Dividing both sides by 2, we get the equation X² = -7/2. This equation has no real roots because X² ≥ 0 for any real number X.

Consider an equation of the form

3X² + 5 X= 0

Factoring the left side of the equation, we get X(3X+ 5) = 0, the answer will have two roots X= 0, X=-5/3.

The most important thing when solving quadratic equations is to bring the quadratic equation to a standard form, memorize the formula for the roots of a general quadratic equation and not get confused in the signs.

In continuation of the topic “Solving Equations”, the material in this article will introduce you to quadratic equations.

Let's consider everything in detail: the essence and notation of a quadratic equation, set the accompanying terms, analyze the scheme for solving incomplete and complete equations, get acquainted with the formula of roots and the discriminant, establish connections between roots and coefficients, and of course we will give a visual solution of practical examples.

Yandex.RTB R-A-339285-1

Quadratic equation, its types

Definition 1

Quadratic equation is the equation written as a x 2 + b x + c = 0, where x– variable, a , b and c are some numbers, while a is not zero.

Often, quadratic equations are also called equations of the second degree, since in fact a quadratic equation is an algebraic equation of the second degree.

Let's give an example to illustrate the given definition: 9 x 2 + 16 x + 2 = 0 ; 7, 5 x 2 + 3, 1 x + 0, 11 = 0, etc. are quadratic equations.

Definition 2

Numbers a , b and c are the coefficients of the quadratic equation a x 2 + b x + c = 0, while the coefficient a is called the first, or senior, or coefficient at x 2, b - the second coefficient, or coefficient at x, a c called a free member.

For example, in the quadratic equation 6 x 2 - 2 x - 11 = 0 the highest coefficient is 6 , the second coefficient is − 2 , and the free term is equal to − 11 . Let us pay attention to the fact that when the coefficients b and/or c are negative, then the shorthand form is used 6 x 2 - 2 x - 11 = 0, but not 6 x 2 + (− 2) x + (− 11) = 0.

Let us also clarify this aspect: if the coefficients a and/or b equal 1 or − 1 , then they may not take an explicit part in writing the quadratic equation, which is explained by the peculiarities of writing the indicated numerical coefficients. For example, in the quadratic equation y 2 − y + 7 = 0 the senior coefficient is 1 and the second coefficient is − 1 .

Reduced and non-reduced quadratic equations

According to the value of the first coefficient, quadratic equations are divided into reduced and non-reduced.

Definition 3

Reduced quadratic equation is a quadratic equation where the leading coefficient is 1 . For other values ​​of the leading coefficient, the quadratic equation is unreduced.

Here are some examples: quadratic equations x 2 − 4 · x + 3 = 0 , x 2 − x − 4 5 = 0 are reduced, in each of which the leading coefficient is 1 .

9 x 2 - x - 2 = 0- unreduced quadratic equation, where the first coefficient is different from 1 .

Any unreduced quadratic equation can be converted into a reduced equation by dividing both its parts by the first coefficient (equivalent transformation). The transformed equation will have the same roots as the given non-reduced equation or will also have no roots at all.

Consideration of a specific example will allow us to clearly demonstrate the transition from an unreduced quadratic equation to a reduced one.

Example 1

Given the equation 6 x 2 + 18 x − 7 = 0 . It is necessary to convert the original equation into the reduced form.

Decision

According to the above scheme, we divide both parts of the original equation by the leading coefficient 6 . Then we get: (6 x 2 + 18 x - 7) : 3 = 0: 3, and this is the same as: (6 x 2) : 3 + (18 x) : 3 − 7: 3 = 0 and further: (6: 6) x 2 + (18: 6) x − 7: 6 = 0 . From here: x 2 + 3 x - 1 1 6 = 0 . Thus, an equation equivalent to the given one is obtained.

Answer: x 2 + 3 x - 1 1 6 = 0 .

Complete and incomplete quadratic equations

Let us turn to the definition of a quadratic equation. In it, we specified that a ≠ 0. A similar condition is necessary for the equation a x 2 + b x + c = 0 was exactly square, since a = 0 it essentially transforms into a linear equation b x + c = 0.

In the case where the coefficients b and c are equal to zero (which is possible, both individually and jointly), the quadratic equation is called incomplete.

Definition 4

Incomplete quadratic equation is a quadratic equation a x 2 + b x + c \u003d 0, where at least one of the coefficients b and c(or both) is zero.

Complete quadratic equation is a quadratic equation in which all numerical coefficients are not equal to zero.

Let's discuss why the types of quadratic equations are given precisely such names.

For b = 0, the quadratic equation takes the form a x 2 + 0 x + c = 0, which is the same as a x 2 + c = 0. At c = 0 the quadratic equation is written as a x 2 + b x + 0 = 0, which is equivalent a x 2 + b x = 0. At b = 0 and c = 0 the equation will take the form a x 2 = 0. The equations that we have obtained differ from the full quadratic equation in that their left-hand sides do not contain either a term with the variable x, or a free term, or both at once. Actually, this fact gave the name to this type of equations - incomplete.

For example, x 2 + 3 x + 4 = 0 and − 7 x 2 − 2 x + 1, 3 = 0 are complete quadratic equations; x 2 \u003d 0, − 5 x 2 \u003d 0; 11 x 2 + 2 = 0 , − x 2 − 6 x = 0 are incomplete quadratic equations.

Solving incomplete quadratic equations

The definition given above makes it possible to distinguish the following types of incomplete quadratic equations:

• a x 2 = 0, coefficients correspond to such an equation b = 0 and c = 0 ;
• a x 2 + c \u003d 0 for b \u003d 0;
• a x 2 + b x = 0 for c = 0 .

Consider successively the solution of each type of incomplete quadratic equation.

Solution of the equation a x 2 \u003d 0

As already mentioned above, such an equation corresponds to the coefficients b and c, equal to zero. The equation a x 2 = 0 can be converted into an equivalent equation x2 = 0, which we get by dividing both sides of the original equation by the number a, not equal to zero. The obvious fact is that the root of the equation x2 = 0 is zero because 0 2 = 0 . This equation has no other roots, which is explained by the properties of the degree: for any number p , not equal to zero, the inequality is true p2 > 0, from which it follows that when p ≠ 0 equality p2 = 0 will never be reached.

Definition 5

Thus, for the incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 = 0, there is a unique root x=0.

Example 2

For example, let's solve an incomplete quadratic equation − 3 x 2 = 0. It is equivalent to the equation x2 = 0, its only root is x=0, then the original equation has a single root - zero.

The solution is summarized as follows:

− 3 x 2 \u003d 0, x 2 \u003d 0, x \u003d 0.

Solution of the equation a x 2 + c \u003d 0

Next in line is the solution of incomplete quadratic equations, where b \u003d 0, c ≠ 0, that is, equations of the form a x 2 + c = 0. Let's transform this equation by transferring the term from one side of the equation to the other, changing the sign to the opposite and dividing both sides of the equation by a number that is not equal to zero:

• endure c to the right side, which gives the equation a x 2 = − c;
• divide both sides of the equation by a, we get as a result x = - c a .

Our transformations are equivalent, respectively, the resulting equation is also equivalent to the original one, and this fact makes it possible to draw a conclusion about the roots of the equation. From what are the values a and c depends on the value of the expression - c a: it can have a minus sign (for example, if a = 1 and c = 2, then - c a = - 2 1 = - 2) or a plus sign (for example, if a = -2 and c=6, then - c a = - 6 - 2 = 3); it is not equal to zero because c ≠ 0. Let us dwell in more detail on situations when - c a< 0 и - c a > 0 .

In the case when - c a< 0 , уравнение x 2 = - c a не будет иметь корней. Утверждая это, мы опираемся на то, что квадратом любого числа является число неотрицательное. Из сказанного следует, что при - c a < 0 ни для какого числа p equality p 2 = - c a cannot be true.

Everything is different when - c a > 0: remember the square root, and it will become obvious that the root of the equation x 2 \u003d - c a will be the number - c a, since - c a 2 \u003d - c a. It is easy to understand that the number - - c a - is also the root of the equation x 2 = - c a: indeed, - - c a 2 = - c a .

The equation will have no other roots. We can demonstrate this using the opposite method. First, let's set the notation of the roots found above as x 1 and − x 1. Let's assume that the equation x 2 = - c a also has a root x2, which is different from the roots x 1 and − x 1. We know that by substituting into the equation instead of x its roots, we transform the equation into a fair numerical equality.

For x 1 and − x 1 write: x 1 2 = - c a , and for x2- x 2 2 \u003d - c a. Based on the properties of numerical equalities, we subtract one true equality from another term by term, which will give us: x 1 2 − x 2 2 = 0. Use the properties of number operations to rewrite the last equality as (x 1 - x 2) (x 1 + x 2) = 0. It is known that the product of two numbers is zero if and only if at least one of the numbers is zero. From what has been said, it follows that x1 − x2 = 0 and/or x1 + x2 = 0, which is the same x2 = x1 and/or x 2 = − x 1. An obvious contradiction arose, because at first it was agreed that the root of the equation x2 differs from x 1 and − x 1. So, we have proved that the equation has no other roots than x = - c a and x = - - c a .

We summarize all the arguments above.

Definition 6

Incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 + c = 0 is equivalent to the equation x 2 = - c a , which:

• will not have roots at - c a< 0 ;
• will have two roots x = - c a and x = - - c a when - c a > 0 .

Let us give examples of solving equations a x 2 + c = 0.

Example 3

Given a quadratic equation 9 x 2 + 7 = 0 . It is necessary to find its solution.

Decision

We transfer the free term to the right side of the equation, then the equation will take the form 9 x 2 \u003d - 7.
We divide both sides of the resulting equation by 9 , we come to x 2 = - 7 9 . On the right side we see a number with a minus sign, which means: the given equation has no roots. Then the original incomplete quadratic equation 9 x 2 + 7 = 0 will not have roots.

Answer: the equation 9 x 2 + 7 = 0 has no roots.

Example 4

It is necessary to solve the equation − x2 + 36 = 0.

Decision

Let's move 36 to the right side: − x 2 = − 36.
Let's divide both parts into − 1 , we get x2 = 36. On the right side is a positive number, from which we can conclude that x = 36 or x = - 36 .
We extract the root and write the final result: an incomplete quadratic equation − x2 + 36 = 0 has two roots x=6 or x = -6.

Answer: x=6 or x = -6.

Solution of the equation a x 2 +b x=0

Let us analyze the third kind of incomplete quadratic equations, when c = 0. To find a solution to an incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 + b x = 0, we use the factorization method. Let us factorize the polynomial, which is on the left side of the equation, taking the common factor out of brackets x. This step will make it possible to transform the original incomplete quadratic equation into its equivalent x (a x + b) = 0. And this equation, in turn, is equivalent to the set of equations x=0 and a x + b = 0. The equation a x + b = 0 linear, and its root: x = − b a.

Definition 7

Thus, the incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 + b x = 0 will have two roots x=0 and x = − b a.

Let's consolidate the material with an example.

Example 5

It is necessary to find the solution of the equation 2 3 · x 2 - 2 2 7 · x = 0 .

Decision

Let's take out x outside the brackets and get the equation x · 2 3 · x - 2 2 7 = 0 . This equation is equivalent to the equations x=0 and 2 3 x - 2 2 7 = 0 . Now you should solve the resulting linear equation: 2 3 · x = 2 2 7 , x = 2 2 7 2 3 .

Briefly, we write the solution of the equation as follows:

2 3 x 2 - 2 2 7 x = 0 x 2 3 x - 2 2 7 = 0

x = 0 or 2 3 x - 2 2 7 = 0

x = 0 or x = 3 3 7

Answer: x = 0 , x = 3 3 7 .

Discriminant, formula of the roots of a quadratic equation

To find a solution to quadratic equations, there is a root formula:

Definition 8

x = - b ± D 2 a, where D = b 2 − 4 a c is the so-called discriminant of a quadratic equation.

Writing x \u003d - b ± D 2 a essentially means that x 1 \u003d - b + D 2 a, x 2 \u003d - b - D 2 a.

It will be useful to understand how the indicated formula was derived and how to apply it.

Derivation of the formula of the roots of a quadratic equation

Suppose we are faced with the task of solving a quadratic equation a x 2 + b x + c = 0. Let's carry out a number of equivalent transformations:

• divide both sides of the equation by the number a, different from zero, we obtain the reduced quadratic equation: x 2 + b a x + c a \u003d 0;
• select the full square on the left side of the resulting equation:
  x 2 + b a x + c a = x 2 + 2 b 2 a x + b 2 a 2 - b 2 a 2 + c a = = x + b 2 a 2 - b 2 a 2 + c a
  After this, the equation will take the form: x + b 2 a 2 - b 2 a 2 + c a \u003d 0;
• now it is possible to transfer the last two terms to the right side, changing the sign to the opposite, after which we get: x + b 2 · a 2 = b 2 · a 2 - c a ;
• finally, we transform the expression written on the right side of the last equality:
  b 2 a 2 - c a \u003d b 2 4 a 2 - c a \u003d b 2 4 a 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 \u003d b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2.

Thus, we have come to the equation x + b 2 a 2 = b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 , which is equivalent to the original equation a x 2 + b x + c = 0.

We discussed the solution of such equations in the previous paragraphs (the solution of incomplete quadratic equations). The experience already gained makes it possible to draw a conclusion regarding the roots of the equation x + b 2 a 2 = b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2:

• for b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2< 0 уравнение не имеет действительных решений;
• for b 2 - 4 · a · c 4 · a 2 = 0, the equation has the form x + b 2 · a 2 = 0, then x + b 2 · a = 0.

From here, the only root x = - b 2 · a is obvious;

• for b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 > 0, the correct one is: x + b 2 a = b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 or x = b 2 a - b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 , which is the same as x + - b 2 a = b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 or x = - b 2 a - b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 , i.e. the equation has two roots.

It is possible to conclude that the presence or absence of the roots of the equation x + b 2 a 2 = b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 (and hence the original equation) depends on the sign of the expression b 2 - 4 a c 4 · a 2 written on the right side. And the sign of this expression is given by the sign of the numerator, (the denominator 4 a 2 will always be positive), that is, the sign of the expression b 2 − 4 a c. This expression b 2 − 4 a c a name is given - the discriminant of a quadratic equation and the letter D is defined as its designation. Here you can write down the essence of the discriminant - by its value and sign, they conclude whether the quadratic equation will have real roots, and, if so, how many roots - one or two.

Let's return to the equation x + b 2 a 2 = b 2 - 4 a c 4 a 2 . Let's rewrite it using the discriminant notation: x + b 2 · a 2 = D 4 · a 2 .

Let's recap the conclusions:

Definition 9

• at D< 0 the equation has no real roots;
• at D=0 the equation has a single root x = - b 2 · a ;
• at D > 0 the equation has two roots: x \u003d - b 2 a + D 4 a 2 or x \u003d - b 2 a - D 4 a 2. Based on the properties of radicals, these roots can be written as: x \u003d - b 2 a + D 2 a or - b 2 a - D 2 a. And when we open the modules and reduce the fractions to a common denominator, we get: x \u003d - b + D 2 a, x \u003d - b - D 2 a.

So, the result of our reasoning was the derivation of the formula for the roots of the quadratic equation:

x = - b + D 2 a , x = - b - D 2 a , discriminant D calculated by the formula D = b 2 − 4 a c.

These formulas make it possible, when the discriminant is greater than zero, to determine both real roots. When the discriminant is zero, applying both formulas will give the same root as the only solution to the quadratic equation. In the case when the discriminant is negative, trying to use the quadratic root formula, we will be faced with the need to extract the square root of a negative number, which will take us beyond real numbers. With a negative discriminant, the quadratic equation will not have real roots, but a pair of complex conjugate roots is possible, determined by the same root formulas we obtained.

Algorithm for solving quadratic equations using root formulas

It is possible to solve a quadratic equation by immediately using the root formula, but basically this is done when it is necessary to find complex roots.

In the bulk of cases, the search is usually meant not for complex, but for real roots of a quadratic equation. Then it is optimal, before using the formulas for the roots of the quadratic equation, first to determine the discriminant and make sure that it is not negative (otherwise we will conclude that the equation has no real roots), and then proceed to calculate the value of the roots.

The reasoning above makes it possible to formulate an algorithm for solving a quadratic equation.

Definition 10

To solve a quadratic equation a x 2 + b x + c = 0, necessary:

• according to the formula D = b 2 − 4 a c find the value of the discriminant;
• at D< 0 сделать вывод об отсутствии у квадратного уравнения действительных корней;
• for D = 0 find the only root of the equation by the formula x = - b 2 · a ;
• for D > 0, determine two real roots of the quadratic equation by the formula x = - b ± D 2 · a.

Note that when the discriminant is zero, you can use the formula x = - b ± D 2 · a , it will give the same result as the formula x = - b 2 · a .

Consider examples.

Examples of solving quadratic equations

We present the solution of examples for various values ​​of the discriminant.

Example 6

It is necessary to find the roots of the equation x 2 + 2 x - 6 = 0.

Decision

We write the numerical coefficients of the quadratic equation: a \u003d 1, b \u003d 2 and c = − 6. Next, we act according to the algorithm, i.e. Let's start calculating the discriminant, for which we substitute the coefficients a , b and c into the discriminant formula: D = b 2 − 4 a c = 2 2 − 4 1 (− 6) = 4 + 24 = 28 .

So, we got D > 0, which means that the original equation will have two real roots.
To find them, we use the root formula x \u003d - b ± D 2 · a and, substituting the appropriate values, we get: x \u003d - 2 ± 28 2 · 1. We simplify the resulting expression by taking the factor out of the sign of the root, followed by reduction of the fraction:

x = - 2 ± 2 7 2

x = - 2 + 2 7 2 or x = - 2 - 2 7 2

x = - 1 + 7 or x = - 1 - 7

Answer: x = - 1 + 7 , x = - 1 - 7 .

Example 7

It is necessary to solve a quadratic equation − 4 x 2 + 28 x − 49 = 0.

Decision

Let's define the discriminant: D = 28 2 − 4 (− 4) (− 49) = 784 − 784 = 0. With this value of the discriminant, the original equation will have only one root, determined by the formula x = - b 2 · a.

x = - 28 2 (- 4) x = 3, 5

Answer: x = 3, 5.

Example 8

It is necessary to solve the equation 5 y 2 + 6 y + 2 = 0

Decision

The numerical coefficients of this equation will be: a = 5 , b = 6 and c = 2 . We use these values ​​to find the discriminant: D = b 2 − 4 · a · c = 6 2 − 4 · 5 · 2 = 36 − 40 = − 4 . The computed discriminant is negative, so the original quadratic equation has no real roots.

In the case when the task is to indicate complex roots, we apply the root formula by performing operations with complex numbers:

x \u003d - 6 ± - 4 2 5,

x \u003d - 6 + 2 i 10 or x \u003d - 6 - 2 i 10,

x = - 3 5 + 1 5 i or x = - 3 5 - 1 5 i .

Answer: there are no real roots; the complex roots are: - 3 5 + 1 5 i , - 3 5 - 1 5 i .

In the school curriculum, as a standard, there is no requirement to look for complex roots, therefore, if the discriminant is defined as negative during the solution, the answer is immediately recorded that there are no real roots.

Root formula for even second coefficients

The root formula x = - b ± D 2 a (D = b 2 − 4 a c) makes it possible to obtain another formula, more compact, allowing you to find solutions to quadratic equations with an even coefficient at x (or with a coefficient of the form 2 a n, for example, 2 3 or 14 ln 5 = 2 7 ln 5). Let us show how this formula is derived.

Suppose we are faced with the task of finding a solution to the quadratic equation a · x 2 + 2 · n · x + c = 0. We act according to the algorithm: we determine the discriminant D = (2 n) 2 − 4 a c = 4 n 2 − 4 a c = 4 (n 2 − a c) , and then use the root formula:

x \u003d - 2 n ± D 2 a, x \u003d - 2 n ± 4 n 2 - a c 2 a, x \u003d - 2 n ± 2 n 2 - a c 2 a, x = - n ± n 2 - a · c a .

Let the expression n 2 − a c be denoted as D 1 (sometimes it is denoted D "). Then the formula for the roots of the considered quadratic equation with the second coefficient 2 n will take the form:

x \u003d - n ± D 1 a, where D 1 \u003d n 2 - a c.

It is easy to see that D = 4 · D 1 , or D 1 = D 4 . In other words, D 1 is a quarter of the discriminant. Obviously, the sign of D 1 is the same as the sign of D, which means that the sign of D 1 can also serve as an indicator of the presence or absence of the roots of a quadratic equation.

Definition 11

Thus, to find a solution to a quadratic equation with a second coefficient of 2 n, it is necessary:

• find D 1 = n 2 − a c ;
• at D 1< 0 сделать вывод, что действительных корней нет;
• for D 1 = 0, determine the only root of the equation by the formula x = - n a ;
• for D 1 > 0, determine two real roots using the formula x = - n ± D 1 a.

Example 9

It is necessary to solve the quadratic equation 5 · x 2 − 6 · x − 32 = 0.

Decision

The second coefficient of the given equation can be represented as 2 · (− 3) . Then we rewrite the given quadratic equation as 5 · x 2 + 2 · (− 3) · x − 32 = 0 , where a = 5 , n = − 3 and c = − 32 .

Let's calculate the fourth part of the discriminant: D 1 = n 2 − a c = (− 3) 2 − 5 (− 32) = 9 + 160 = 169 . The resulting value is positive, which means that the equation has two real roots. We define them by the corresponding formula of the roots:

x = - n ± D 1 a , x = - - 3 ± 169 5 , x = 3 ± 13 5 ,

x = 3 + 13 5 or x = 3 - 13 5

x = 3 1 5 or x = - 2

It would be possible to perform calculations using the usual formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, but in this case the solution would be more cumbersome.

Answer: x = 3 1 5 or x = - 2 .

Simplification of the form of quadratic equations

Sometimes it is possible to optimize the form of the original equation, which will simplify the process of calculating the roots.

For example, the quadratic equation 12 x 2 - 4 x - 7 \u003d 0 is clearly more convenient for solving than 1200 x 2 - 400 x - 700 \u003d 0.

More often, the simplification of the form of a quadratic equation is performed by multiplying or dividing its both parts by a certain number. For example, above we showed a simplified representation of the equation 1200 x 2 - 400 x - 700 = 0, obtained by dividing both of its parts by 100.

Such a transformation is possible when the coefficients of the quadratic equation are not relatively prime numbers. Then, usually, both parts of the equation are divided by the greatest common divisor of the absolute values ​​of its coefficients.

As an example, we use the quadratic equation 12 x 2 − 42 x + 48 = 0. Let's define the gcd of the absolute values ​​of its coefficients: gcd (12 , 42 , 48) = gcd(gcd (12 , 42) , 48) = gcd (6 , 48) = 6 . Let's divide both parts of the original quadratic equation by 6 and get the equivalent quadratic equation 2 · x 2 − 7 · x + 8 = 0 .

By multiplying both sides of the quadratic equation, fractional coefficients are usually eliminated. In this case, multiply by the least common multiple of the denominators of its coefficients. For example, if each part of the quadratic equation 1 6 x 2 + 2 3 x - 3 \u003d 0 is multiplied with LCM (6, 3, 1) \u003d 6, then it will be written in a simpler form x 2 + 4 x - 18 = 0 .

Finally, we note that almost always get rid of the minus at the first coefficient of the quadratic equation, changing the signs of each term of the equation, which is achieved by multiplying (or dividing) both parts by − 1. For example, from the quadratic equation - 2 x 2 - 3 x + 7 \u003d 0, you can go to its simplified version 2 x 2 + 3 x - 7 \u003d 0.

Relationship between roots and coefficients

The already known formula for the roots of quadratic equations x = - b ± D 2 · a expresses the roots of the equation in terms of its numerical coefficients. Based on this formula, we have the opportunity to set other dependencies between the roots and coefficients.

The most famous and applicable are the formulas of the Vieta theorem:

x 1 + x 2 \u003d - b a and x 2 \u003d c a.

In particular, for the given quadratic equation, the sum of the roots is the second coefficient with the opposite sign, and the product of the roots is equal to the free term. For example, by the form of the quadratic equation 3 · x 2 − 7 · x + 22 \u003d 0, it is possible to immediately determine that the sum of its roots is 7 3, and the product of the roots is 22 3.

You can also find a number of other relationships between the roots and coefficients of a quadratic equation. For example, the sum of the squares of the roots of a quadratic equation can be expressed in terms of coefficients:

x 1 2 + x 2 2 = (x 1 + x 2) 2 - 2 x 1 x 2 = - b a 2 - 2 c a = b 2 a 2 - 2 c a = b 2 - 2 a c a 2.

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