How to find a in a quadratic equation. Quadratic equations. Examples of solutions

We continue to study the topic " solving equations" We have already become acquainted with linear equations and are moving on to getting acquainted with quadratic equations.

First, we will look at what a quadratic equation is, how it is written in general form, and give related definitions. After this, we will use examples to examine in detail how incomplete quadratic equations are solved. Next, we will move on to solving complete equations, obtain the root formula, get acquainted with the discriminant of a quadratic equation, and consider solutions to typical examples. Finally, let's trace the connections between the roots and coefficients.

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What is a quadratic equation? Their types

First you need to clearly understand what a quadratic equation is. Therefore, it is logical to start a conversation about quadratic equations with the definition of a quadratic equation, as well as related definitions. After this, you can consider the main types of quadratic equations: reduced and unreduced, as well as complete and incomplete equations.

Definition and examples of quadratic equations

Definition.

Quadratic equation is an equation of the form a x 2 +b x+c=0, where x is a variable, a, b and c are some numbers, and a is non-zero.

Let's say right away that quadratic equations are often called equations of the second degree. This is due to the fact that the quadratic equation is algebraic equation second degree.

The stated definition allows us to give examples of quadratic equations. So 2 x 2 +6 x+1=0, 0.2 x 2 +2.5 x+0.03=0, etc. These are quadratic equations.

Definition.

Numbers a, b and c are called coefficients of the quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0, and coefficient a is called the first, or the highest, or the coefficient of x 2, b is the second coefficient, or the coefficient of x, and c is the free term.

For example, let's take a quadratic equation of the form 5 x 2 −2 x −3=0, here the leading coefficient is 5, the second coefficient is equal to −2, and the free term is equal to −3. Please note that when the coefficients b and/or c are negative, as in the example just given, the short form of the quadratic equation is 5 x 2 −2 x−3=0 , rather than 5 x 2 +(−2 )·x+(−3)=0 .

It is worth noting that when the coefficients a and/or b are equal to 1 or −1, then they are usually not explicitly present in the quadratic equation, which is due to the peculiarities of writing such. For example, in the quadratic equation y 2 −y+3=0 the leading coefficient is one, and the coefficient of y is equal to −1.

Reduced and unreduced quadratic equations

Depending on the value of the leading coefficient, reduced and unreduced quadratic equations are distinguished. Let us give the corresponding definitions.

Definition.

A quadratic equation in which the leading coefficient is 1 is called given quadratic equation. Otherwise the quadratic equation is untouched.

According to this definition, quadratic equations x 2 −3·x+1=0, x 2 −x−2/3=0, etc. – given, in each of them the first coefficient is equal to one. A 5 x 2 −x−1=0, etc. - unreduced quadratic equations, their leading coefficients are different from 1.

From any unreduced quadratic equation, by dividing both sides by the leading coefficient, you can go to the reduced one. This action is an equivalent transformation, that is, the reduced quadratic equation obtained in this way has the same roots as the original unreduced quadratic equation, or, like it, has no roots.

Let us look at an example of how the transition from an unreduced quadratic equation to a reduced one is performed.

Example.

From the equation 3 x 2 +12 x−7=0, go to the corresponding reduced quadratic equation.

Solution.

We just need to divide both sides of the original equation by the leading coefficient 3, it is non-zero, so we can perform this action. We have (3 x 2 +12 x−7):3=0:3, which is the same, (3 x 2):3+(12 x):3−7:3=0, and then (3:3) x 2 +(12:3) x−7:3=0, from where . This is how we obtained the reduced quadratic equation, which is equivalent to the original one.

Answer:

Complete and incomplete quadratic equations

The definition of a quadratic equation contains the condition a≠0. This condition is necessary so that the equation a x 2 + b x + c = 0 is quadratic, since when a = 0 it actually becomes a linear equation of the form b x + c = 0.

As for the coefficients b and c, they can be equal to zero, both individually and together. In these cases, the quadratic equation is called incomplete.

Definition.

The quadratic equation a x 2 +b x+c=0 is called incomplete, if at least one of the coefficients b, c is equal to zero.

In its turn

Definition.

Complete quadratic equation is an equation in which all coefficients are different from zero.

Such names were not given by chance. This will become clear from the following discussions.

If the coefficient b is zero, then the quadratic equation takes the form a·x 2 +0·x+c=0, and it is equivalent to the equation a·x 2 +c=0. If c=0, that is, the quadratic equation has the form a·x 2 +b·x+0=0, then it can be rewritten as a·x 2 +b·x=0. And with b=0 and c=0 we get the quadratic equation a·x 2 =0. The resulting equations differ from the complete quadratic equation in that their left-hand sides do not contain either a term with the variable x, or a free term, or both. Hence their name - incomplete quadratic equations.

So the equations x 2 +x+1=0 and −2 x 2 −5 x+0.2=0 are examples of complete quadratic equations, and x 2 =0, −2 x 2 =0, 5 x 2 +3=0 , −x 2 −5 x=0 are incomplete quadratic equations.

Solving incomplete quadratic equations

From the information in the previous paragraph it follows that there is three types of incomplete quadratic equations:

• a·x 2 =0, the coefficients b=0 and c=0 correspond to it;
• a x 2 +c=0 when b=0 ;
• and a·x 2 +b·x=0 when c=0.

Let us examine in order how incomplete quadratic equations of each of these types are solved.

a x 2 =0

Let's start with solving incomplete quadratic equations in which the coefficients b and c are equal to zero, that is, with equations of the form a x 2 =0. The equation a·x 2 =0 is equivalent to the equation x 2 =0, which is obtained from the original by dividing both parts by a non-zero number a. Obviously, the root of the equation x 2 =0 is zero, since 0 2 =0. This equation has no other roots, which is explained by the fact that for any non-zero number p the inequality p 2 >0 holds, which means that for p≠0 the equality p 2 =0 is never achieved.

So, the incomplete quadratic equation a·x 2 =0 has a single root x=0.

As an example, we give the solution to the incomplete quadratic equation −4 x 2 =0. It is equivalent to the equation x 2 =0, its only root is x=0, therefore, the original equation has a single root zero.

A short solution in this case can be written as follows:
−4 x 2 =0 ,
x 2 =0,
x=0 .

a x 2 +c=0

Now let's look at how incomplete quadratic equations are solved in which the coefficient b is zero and c≠0, that is, equations of the form a x 2 +c=0. We know that moving a term from one side of the equation to the other with the opposite sign, as well as dividing both sides of the equation by a non-zero number, gives an equivalent equation. Therefore, we can carry out the following equivalent transformations of the incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 +c=0:

• move c to the right side, which gives the equation a x 2 =−c,
• and divide both sides by a, we get .

The resulting equation allows us to draw conclusions about its roots. Depending on the values ​​of a and c, the value of the expression can be negative (for example, if a=1 and c=2, then ) or positive (for example, if a=−2 and c=6, then ), it is not zero , since by condition c≠0. We will separately analyze the cases and.

If , then the equation has no roots. This statement follows from the fact that the square of any number is a non-negative number. It follows from this that when , then for any number p the equality cannot be true.

If , then the situation with the roots of the equation is different. In this case, if we remember about , then the root of the equation immediately becomes obvious; it is the number, since . It’s easy to guess that the number is also the root of the equation, indeed, . This equation has no other roots, which can be shown, for example, by contradiction. Let's do it.

Let us denote the roots of the equation just announced as x 1 and −x 1 . Suppose that the equation has one more root x 2, different from the indicated roots x 1 and −x 1. It is known that substituting its roots into an equation instead of x turns the equation into a correct numerical equality. For x 1 and −x 1 we have , and for x 2 we have . The properties of numerical equalities allow us to perform term-by-term subtraction of correct numerical equalities, so subtracting the corresponding parts of the equalities gives x 1 2 −x 2 2 =0. The properties of operations with numbers allow us to rewrite the resulting equality as (x 1 −x 2)·(x 1 +x 2)=0. We know that the product of two numbers is equal to zero if and only if at least one of them is equal to zero. Therefore, from the resulting equality it follows that x 1 −x 2 =0 and/or x 1 +x 2 =0, which is the same, x 2 =x 1 and/or x 2 =−x 1. So we came to a contradiction, since at the beginning we said that the root of the equation x 2 is different from x 1 and −x 1. This proves that the equation has no roots other than and .

Let us summarize the information in this paragraph. The incomplete quadratic equation a x 2 +c=0 is equivalent to the equation that

• has no roots if ,
• has two roots and , if .

Let's consider examples of solving incomplete quadratic equations of the form a·x 2 +c=0.

Let's start with the quadratic equation 9 x 2 +7=0. After moving the free term to the right side of the equation, it will take the form 9 x 2 =−7. Dividing both sides of the resulting equation by 9, we arrive at . Since the right side has a negative number, this equation has no roots, therefore, the original incomplete quadratic equation 9 x 2 +7 = 0 has no roots.

Let's solve another incomplete quadratic equation −x 2 +9=0. We move the nine to the right side: −x 2 =−9. Now we divide both sides by −1, we get x 2 =9. On the right side there is a positive number, from which we conclude that or . Then we write down the final answer: the incomplete quadratic equation −x 2 +9=0 has two roots x=3 or x=−3.

a x 2 +b x=0

It remains to deal with the solution of the last type of incomplete quadratic equations for c=0. Incomplete quadratic equations of the form a x 2 + b x = 0 allow you to solve factorization method. Obviously, we can, located on the left side of the equation, for which it is enough to take the common factor x out of brackets. This allows us to move from the original incomplete quadratic equation to an equivalent equation of the form x·(a·x+b)=0. And this equation is equivalent to a set of two equations x=0 and a·x+b=0, the latter of which is linear and has a root x=−b/a.

So, the incomplete quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x=0 has two roots x=0 and x=−b/a.

To consolidate the material, we will analyze the solution to a specific example.

Example.

Solve the equation.

Solution.

Taking x out of brackets gives the equation . It is equivalent to two equations x=0 and . We solve the resulting linear equation: , and by dividing the mixed number by an ordinary fraction, we find . Therefore, the roots of the original equation are x=0 and .

After gaining the necessary practice, solutions to such equations can be written briefly:

Answer:

x=0 , .

Discriminant, formula for the roots of a quadratic equation

To solve quadratic equations, there is a root formula. Let's write it down formula for the roots of a quadratic equation: , Where D=b 2 −4 a c- so-called discriminant of a quadratic equation. The entry essentially means that .

It is useful to know how the root formula was derived and how it is used in finding the roots of quadratic equations. Let's figure this out.

Derivation of the formula for the roots of a quadratic equation

Let us need to solve the quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0. Let's perform some equivalent transformations:

• We can divide both sides of this equation by a non-zero number a, resulting in the following quadratic equation.
• Now select a complete square on its left side: . After this, the equation will take the form .
• At this stage, it is possible to transfer the last two terms to the right side with the opposite sign, we have .
• And let’s also transform the expression on the right side: .

As a result, we arrive at an equation that is equivalent to the original quadratic equation a·x 2 +b·x+c=0.

We have already solved equations similar in form in the previous paragraphs, when we examined. This allows us to draw the following conclusions regarding the roots of the equation:

• if , then the equation has no real solutions;
• if , then the equation has the form , therefore, , from which its only root is visible;
• if , then or , which is the same as or , that is, the equation has two roots.

Thus, the presence or absence of roots of the equation, and therefore the original quadratic equation, depends on the sign of the expression on the right side. In turn, the sign of this expression is determined by the sign of the numerator, since the denominator 4·a 2 is always positive, that is, by the sign of the expression b 2 −4·a·c. This expression b 2 −4 a c was called discriminant of a quadratic equation and designated by the letter D. From here the essence of the discriminant is clear - based on its value and sign, they conclude whether the quadratic equation has real roots, and if so, what is their number - one or two.

Let's return to the equation and rewrite it using the discriminant notation: . And we draw conclusions:

• if D<0 , то это уравнение не имеет действительных корней;
• if D=0, then this equation has a single root;
• finally, if D>0, then the equation has two roots or, which can be rewritten in the form or, and after expanding and bringing the fractions to a common denominator we obtain.

So we derived the formulas for the roots of the quadratic equation, they have the form , where the discriminant D is calculated by the formula D=b 2 −4·a·c.

With their help, with a positive discriminant, you can calculate both real roots of a quadratic equation. When the discriminant is equal to zero, both formulas give the same value of the root, corresponding to a unique solution to the quadratic equation. And with a negative discriminant, when trying to use the formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, we are faced with extracting the square root of a negative number, which takes us beyond the scope of the school curriculum. With a negative discriminant, the quadratic equation has no real roots, but has a pair complex conjugate roots, which can be found using the same root formulas we obtained.

Algorithm for solving quadratic equations using root formulas

In practice, when solving quadratic equations, you can immediately use the root formula to calculate their values. But this is more related to finding complex roots.

However, in a school algebra course we usually talk not about complex, but about real roots of a quadratic equation. In this case, it is advisable, before using the formulas for the roots of a quadratic equation, to first find the discriminant, make sure that it is non-negative (otherwise, we can conclude that the equation does not have real roots), and only then calculate the values ​​of the roots.

The above reasoning allows us to write algorithm for solving a quadratic equation. To solve the quadratic equation a x 2 +b x+c=0, you need to:

• using the discriminant formula D=b 2 −4·a·c, calculate its value;
• conclude that a quadratic equation has no real roots if the discriminant is negative;
• calculate the only root of the equation using the formula if D=0;
• find two real roots of a quadratic equation using the root formula if the discriminant is positive.

Here we just note that if the discriminant is equal to zero, you can also use the formula; it will give the same value as .

You can move on to examples of using the algorithm for solving quadratic equations.

Examples of solving quadratic equations

Let's consider solutions to three quadratic equations with a positive, negative and zero discriminant. Having dealt with their solution, by analogy it will be possible to solve any other quadratic equation. Let's begin.

Example.

Find the roots of the equation x 2 +2·x−6=0.

Solution.

In this case, we have the following coefficients of the quadratic equation: a=1, b=2 and c=−6. According to the algorithm, you first need to calculate the discriminant; to do this, we substitute the indicated a, b and c into the discriminant formula, we have D=b 2 −4·a·c=2 2 −4·1·(−6)=4+24=28. Since 28>0, that is, the discriminant is greater than zero, the quadratic equation has two real roots. Let's find them using the root formula, we get, here you can simplify the resulting expressions by doing moving the multiplier beyond the root sign followed by reduction of the fraction:

Answer:

Let's move on to the next typical example.

Example.

Solve the quadratic equation −4 x 2 +28 x−49=0 .

Solution.

We start by finding the discriminant: D=28 2 −4·(−4)·(−49)=784−784=0. Therefore, this quadratic equation has a single root, which we find as , that is,

Answer:

x=3.5.

It remains to consider solving quadratic equations with a negative discriminant.

Example.

Solve the equation 5·y 2 +6·y+2=0.

Solution.

Here are the coefficients of the quadratic equation: a=5, b=6 and c=2. We substitute these values ​​into the discriminant formula, we have D=b 2 −4·a·c=6 2 −4·5·2=36−40=−4. The discriminant is negative, therefore, this quadratic equation has no real roots.

If you need to indicate complex roots, then we apply the well-known formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, and perform operations with complex numbers:

Answer:

there are no real roots, complex roots are: .

Let us note once again that if the discriminant of a quadratic equation is negative, then in school they usually immediately write down an answer in which they indicate that there are no real roots, and complex roots are not found.

Root formula for even second coefficients

The formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, where D=b 2 −4·a·c allows you to obtain a formula of a more compact form, allowing you to solve quadratic equations with an even coefficient for x (or simply with a coefficient of the form 2·n, for example, or 14· ln5=2·7·ln5 ). Let's get her out.

Let's say we need to solve a quadratic equation of the form a x 2 +2 n x+c=0. Let's find its roots using the formula we know. To do this, we calculate the discriminant D=(2 n) 2 −4 a c=4 n 2 −4 a c=4 (n 2 −a c), and then we use the root formula:

Let us denote the expression n 2 −a c as D 1 (sometimes it is denoted D "). Then the formula for the roots of the quadratic equation under consideration with the second coefficient 2 n will take the form , where D 1 =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 the fourth part of the discriminant. It is clear that the sign of D 1 is the same as the sign of D . That is, the sign D 1 is also an indicator of the presence or absence of roots of a quadratic equation.

So, to solve a quadratic equation with a second coefficient 2·n, you need

• Calculate D 1 =n 2 −a·c ;
• If D 1<0 , то сделать вывод, что действительных корней нет;
• If D 1 =0, then calculate the only root of the equation using the formula;
• If D 1 >0, then find two real roots using the formula.

Let's consider solving the example using the root formula obtained in this paragraph.

Example.

Solve the quadratic equation 5 x 2 −6 x −32=0 .

Solution.

The second coefficient of this equation can be represented as 2·(−3) . That is, you can rewrite the original quadratic equation in the form 5 x 2 +2 (−3) x−32=0, here a=5, n=−3 and c=−32, and calculate the fourth part of the discriminant: D 1 =n 2 −a·c=(−3) 2 −5·(−32)=9+160=169. Since its value is positive, the equation has two real roots. Let's find them using the appropriate root formula:

Note that it was possible to use the usual formula for the roots of a quadratic equation, but in this case more computational work would have to be performed.

Answer:

Simplifying the form of quadratic equations

Sometimes, before starting to calculate the roots of a quadratic equation using formulas, it doesn’t hurt to ask the question: “Is it possible to simplify the form of this equation?” Agree that in terms of calculations it will be easier to solve the quadratic equation 11 x 2 −4 x−6=0 than 1100 x 2 −400 x−600=0.

Typically, simplifying the form of a quadratic equation is achieved by multiplying or dividing both sides by a certain number. For example, in the previous paragraph it was possible to simplify the equation 1100 x 2 −400 x −600=0 by dividing both sides by 100.

A similar transformation is carried out with quadratic equations, the coefficients of which are not . In this case, both sides of the equation are usually divided by the absolute values ​​of its coefficients. For example, let's take the quadratic equation 12 x 2 −42 x+48=0. absolute values ​​of its coefficients: GCD(12, 42, 48)= GCD(GCD(12, 42), 48)= GCD(6, 48)=6. Dividing both sides of the original quadratic equation by 6, we arrive at the equivalent quadratic equation 2 x 2 −7 x+8=0.

And multiplying both sides of a quadratic equation is usually done to get rid of fractional coefficients. In this case, multiplication is carried out by the denominators of its coefficients. For example, if both sides of the quadratic equation are multiplied by LCM(6, 3, 1)=6, then it will take the simpler form x 2 +4·x−18=0.

In conclusion of this point, we note that they almost always get rid of the minus at the highest coefficient of a quadratic equation by changing the signs of all terms, which corresponds to multiplying (or dividing) both sides by −1. For example, usually one moves from the quadratic equation −2 x 2 −3 x+7=0 to the solution 2 x 2 +3 x−7=0 .

Relationship between roots and coefficients of a quadratic equation

The formula for the roots of a quadratic equation expresses the roots of the equation through its coefficients. Based on the root formula, you can obtain other relationships between roots and coefficients.

The most well-known and applicable formulas from Vieta’s theorem are of the form and . In particular, for the given quadratic equation, the sum of the roots is equal to 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 = 0 we can immediately say that the sum of its roots is equal to 7/3, and the product of the roots is equal to 22/3.

Using the already written formulas, you can obtain a number of other connections between the roots and coefficients of the quadratic equation. For example, you can express the sum of the squares of the roots of a quadratic equation through its coefficients: .

Bibliography.

• Algebra: textbook for 8th grade. general education institutions / [Yu. N. Makarychev, N. G. Mindyuk, K. I. Neshkov, S. B. Suvorova]; edited by S. A. Telyakovsky. - 16th ed. - M.: Education, 2008. - 271 p. : ill. - ISBN 978-5-09-019243-9.
• Mordkovich A. G. Algebra. 8th grade. In 2 hours. Part 1. Textbook for students of general education institutions / A. G. Mordkovich. - 11th ed., erased. - M.: Mnemosyne, 2009. - 215 p.: ill. ISBN 978-5-346-01155-2.

Kopyevskaya rural secondary school

10 Ways to Solve Quadratic Equations

Head: Patrikeeva Galina Anatolyevna,

mathematic teacher

village Kopevo, 2007

1. History of the development of quadratic equations

1.1 Quadratic equations in Ancient Babylon

1.2 How Diophantus composed and solved quadratic equations

1.3 Quadratic equations in India

1.4 Quadratic equations by al-Khorezmi

1.5 Quadratic equations in Europe XIII - XVII centuries

1.6 About Vieta's theorem

2. Methods for solving quadratic equations

Conclusion

Literature

1. History of the development of quadratic equations

1.1 Quadratic equations in Ancient Babylon

The need to solve equations not only of the first, but also of the second degree, even in ancient times, was caused by the need to solve problems related to finding the areas of land plots and with excavation work of a military nature, as well as with the development of astronomy and mathematics itself. Quadratic equations could be solved around 2000 BC. e. Babylonians.

Using modern algebraic notation, we can say that in their cuneiform texts there are, in addition to incomplete ones, such, for example, complete quadratic equations:

X 2 + X = ¾; X 2 - X = 14,5

The rule for solving these equations, set out in the Babylonian texts, essentially coincides with the modern one, but it is not known how the Babylonians arrived at this rule. Almost all cuneiform texts found so far provide only problems with solutions laid out in the form of recipes, with no indication as to how they were found.

Despite the high level of development of algebra in Babylon, the cuneiform texts lack the concept of a negative number and general methods for solving quadratic equations.

1.2 How Diophantus composed and solved quadratic equations.

Diophantus' Arithmetic does not contain a systematic presentation of algebra, but it does contain a systematic series of problems, accompanied by explanations and solved by constructing equations of various degrees.

When composing equations, Diophantus skillfully selects unknowns to simplify the solution.

Here, for example, is one of his tasks.

Problem 11.“Find two numbers knowing that their sum is 20 and their product is 96”

Diophantus reasons as follows: from the conditions of the problem it follows that the required numbers are not equal, since if they were equal, then their product would not be equal to 96, but to 100. Thus, one of them will be more than half of their sum, i.e. . 10 + x, the other is less, i.e. 10's. The difference between them 2x .

Hence the equation:

(10 + x)(10 - x) = 96

100 - x 2 = 96

x 2 - 4 = 0 (1)

From here x = 2. One of the required numbers is equal to 12 , other 8 . Solution x = -2 for Diophantus does not exist, since Greek mathematics knew only positive numbers.

If we solve this problem by choosing one of the required numbers as the unknown, then we will come to a solution to the equation

y(20 - y) = 96,

y 2 - 20y + 96 = 0. (2)

It is clear that by choosing the half-difference of the required numbers as the unknown, Diophantus simplifies the solution; he manages to reduce the problem to solving an incomplete quadratic equation (1).

1.3 Quadratic Equations in India

Problems on quadratic equations are found already in the astronomical treatise “Aryabhattiam”, compiled in 499 by the Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta. Another Indian scientist, Brahmagupta (7th century), outlined a general rule for solving quadratic equations reduced to a single canonical form:

ah 2 + b x = c, a > 0. (1)

In equation (1), the coefficients, except A, can also be negative. Brahmagupta's rule is essentially the same as ours.

In ancient India, public competitions in solving difficult problems were common. One of the old Indian books says the following about such competitions: “As the sun outshines the stars with its brilliance, so a learned man will outshine the glory of another in public assemblies, proposing and solving algebraic problems.” Problems were often presented in poetic form.

This is one of the problems of the famous Indian mathematician of the 12th century. Bhaskars.

Problem 13.

“A flock of frisky monkeys, and twelve along the vines...

The authorities, having eaten, had fun. They started jumping, hanging...

There are them in the square, part eight. How many monkeys were there?

I was having fun in the clearing. Tell me, in this pack?

Bhaskara's solution indicates that he knew that the roots of quadratic equations are two-valued (Fig. 3).

The equation corresponding to problem 13 is:

( x /8) 2 + 12 = x

Bhaskara writes under the guise:

x 2 - 64x = -768

and, to complete the left side of this equation to a square, adds to both sides 32 2 , then getting:

x 2 - 64x + 32 2 = -768 + 1024,

(x - 32) 2 = 256,

x - 32 = ± 16,

x 1 = 16, x 2 = 48.

1.4 Quadratic equations in al - Khorezmi

In the algebraic treatise of al-Khorezmi, a classification of linear and quadratic equations is given. The author counts 6 types of equations, expressing them as follows:

1) “Squares are equal to roots,” i.e. ax 2 + c = b X.

2) “Squares are equal to numbers”, i.e. ax 2 = c.

3) “The roots are equal to the number,” i.e. ah = s.

4) “Squares and numbers are equal to roots,” i.e. ax 2 + c = b X.

5) “Squares and roots are equal to numbers”, i.e. ah 2 + bx = s.

6) “Roots and numbers are equal to squares,” i.e. bx + c = ax 2 .

For al-Khorezmi, who avoided the use of negative numbers, the terms of each of these equations are addends and not subtractables. In this case, equations that do not have positive solutions are obviously not taken into account. The author sets out methods for solving these equations using the techniques of al-jabr and al-muqabala. His decisions, of course, do not completely coincide with ours. Not to mention that it is purely rhetorical, it should be noted, for example, that when solving an incomplete quadratic equation of the first type

al-Khorezmi, like all mathematicians before the 17th century, does not take into account the zero solution, probably because in specific practical problems it does not matter. When solving complete quadratic equations, al-Khorezmi sets out the rules for solving them using particular numerical examples, and then geometric proofs.

Problem 14.“The square and the number 21 are equal to 10 roots. Find the root" (implying the root of the equation x 2 + 21 = 10x).

The author's solution goes something like this: divide the number of roots in half, you get 5, multiply 5 by itself, subtract 21 from the product, what remains is 4. Take the root from 4, you get 2. Subtract 2 from 5, you get 3, this will be the desired root. Or add 2 to 5, which gives 7, this is also a root.

The treatise of al-Khorezmi is the first book that has come down to us, which systematically sets out the classification of quadratic equations and gives formulas for their solution.

1.5 Quadratic equations in Europe XIII - XVII bb

Formulas for solving quadratic equations along the lines of al-Khorezmi in Europe were first set forth in the Book of Abacus, written in 1202 by the Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci. This voluminous work, which reflects the influence of mathematics, both from the countries of Islam and from ancient Greece, is distinguished by its completeness and clarity of presentation. The author independently developed some new algebraic examples of solving problems and was the first in Europe to approach the introduction of negative numbers. His book contributed to the spread of algebraic knowledge not only in Italy, but also in Germany, France and other European countries. Many problems from the Book of Abacus were used in almost all European textbooks of the 16th - 17th centuries. and partly XVIII.

The general rule for solving quadratic equations reduced to a single canonical form:

x 2 + bx = c,

for all possible combinations of coefficient signs b , With was formulated in Europe only in 1544 by M. Stiefel.

The derivation of the formula for solving a quadratic equation in general form is available from Vieth, but Vieth recognized only positive roots. Italian mathematicians Tartaglia, Cardano, Bombelli were among the first in the 16th century. In addition to positive ones, negative roots are also taken into account. Only in the 17th century. Thanks to the work of Girard, Descartes, Newton and other scientists, the method of solving quadratic equations takes on a modern form.

1.6 About Vieta's theorem

The theorem expressing the relationship between the coefficients of a quadratic equation and its roots, named after Vieta, was formulated by him for the first time in 1591 as follows: “If B + D, multiplied by A - A 2 , equals BD, That A equals IN and equal D ».

To understand Vieta, we should remember that A, like any vowel letter, meant the unknown (our X), vowels IN, D- coefficients for the unknown. In the language of modern algebra, the above Vieta formulation means: if there is

(a + b )x - x 2 = ab ,

x 2 - (a + b )x + a b = 0,

x 1 = a, x 2 = b .

Expressing the relationship between the roots and coefficients of equations with general formulas written using symbols, Viète established uniformity in the methods of solving equations. However, the symbolism of Viet is still far from its modern form. He did not recognize negative numbers and therefore, when solving equations, he considered only cases where all the roots were positive.

2. Methods for solving quadratic equations

Quadratic equations are the foundation on which the majestic edifice of algebra rests. Quadratic equations are widely used in solving trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, irrational and transcendental equations and inequalities. We all know how to solve quadratic equations from school (8th grade) until graduation.

", that is, equations of the first degree. In this lesson we will look at what is called a quadratic equation and how to solve it.

What is a quadratic equation?

Important!

The degree of an equation is determined by the highest degree to which the unknown stands.

If the maximum power in which the unknown is “2”, then you have a quadratic equation.

Examples of quadratic equations

• 5x 2 − 14x + 17 = 0
• −x 2 + x +

  1

  3

  = 0
• x 2 + 0.25x = 0
• x 2 − 8 = 0

Important! The general form of a quadratic equation looks like this:

A x 2 + b x + c = 0

• “a” is the first or highest coefficient;
• “b” is the second coefficient;
• “c” is a free member.

To find “a”, “b” and “c” you need to compare your equation with the general form of the quadratic equation “ax 2 + bx + c = 0”.

Let's practice determining the coefficients "a", "b" and "c" in quadratic equations.

• a = −1
• b = 1
• c =

  1

  3

• a = 1
• b = 0.25
• c = 0

• a = 1
• b = 0
• c = −8

How to Solve Quadratic Equations

Unlike linear equations, a special method is used to solve quadratic equations. formula for finding roots.

Remember!

To solve a quadratic equation you need:

• bring the quadratic equation to the general form “ax 2 + bx + c = 0”.
• That is, only “0” should remain on the right side;

use formula for roots:

Let's look at an example of how to use the formula to find the roots of a quadratic equation. Let's solve a quadratic equation.

X 2 − 3x − 4 = 0 The equation “x 2 − 3x − 4 = 0” has already been reduced to the general form “ax 2 + bx + c = 0” and does not require additional simplifications. To solve it, we just need to apply.

Let us determine the coefficients “a”, “b” and “c” for this equation.

It can be used to solve any quadratic equation.

In the formula “x 1;2 = ” the radical expression is often replaced
“b 2 − 4ac” for the letter “D” and is called discriminant. The concept of a discriminant is discussed in more detail in the lesson “What is a discriminant”.

Let's look at another example of a quadratic equation.

x 2 + 9 + x = 7x

In this form, it is quite difficult to determine the coefficients “a”, “b” and “c”. Let's first reduce the equation to the general form “ax 2 + bx + c = 0”.

X 2 + 9 + x = 7x
x 2 + 9 + x − 7x = 0
x 2 + 9 − 6x = 0
x 2 − 6x + 9 = 0

Now you can use the formula for the roots.

X 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x 1;2 =
x =

There are times when quadratic equations have no roots. This situation occurs when the formula contains a negative number under the root.

In modern society, the ability to perform operations with equations containing a squared variable can be useful in many areas of activity and is widely used in practice in scientific and technical developments. Evidence of this can be found in the design of sea and river vessels, airplanes and rockets. Using such calculations, the trajectories of movement of a wide variety of bodies, including space objects, are determined. Examples with the solution of quadratic equations are used not only in economic forecasting, in the design and construction of buildings, but also in the most ordinary everyday circumstances. They may be needed on hiking trips, at sporting events, in stores when making purchases and in other very common situations.

Let's break the expression into its component factors

The degree of an equation is determined by the maximum value of the degree of the variable that the expression contains. If it is equal to 2, then such an equation is called quadratic.

If we speak in the language of formulas, then the indicated expressions, no matter how they look, can always be brought to the form when the left side of the expression consists of three terms. Among them: ax 2 (that is, a variable squared with its coefficient), bx (an unknown without a square with its coefficient) and c (a free component, that is, an ordinary number). All this on the right side is equal to 0. In the case when such a polynomial lacks one of its constituent terms, with the exception of ax 2, it is called an incomplete quadratic equation. Examples with the solution of such problems, the values ​​of the variables in which are easy to find, should be considered first.

If the expression looks like it has two terms on the right side, more precisely ax 2 and bx, the easiest way to find x is by putting the variable out of brackets. Now our equation will look like this: x(ax+b). Next, it becomes obvious that either x=0, or the problem comes down to finding a variable from the following expression: ax+b=0. This is dictated by one of the properties of multiplication. The rule states that the product of two factors results in 0 only if one of them is zero.

Example

x=0 or 8x - 3 = 0

As a result, we get two roots of the equation: 0 and 0.375.

Equations of this kind can describe the movement of bodies under the influence of gravity, which began to move from a certain point taken as the origin of coordinates. Here the mathematical notation takes the following form: y = v 0 t + gt 2 /2. By substituting the necessary values, equating the right side to 0 and finding possible unknowns, you can find out the time that passes from the moment the body rises to the moment it falls, as well as many other quantities. But we'll talk about this later.

Factoring an Expression

The rule described above makes it possible to solve these problems in more complex cases. Let's look at examples of solving quadratic equations of this type.

X 2 - 33x + 200 = 0

This quadratic trinomial is complete. First, let's transform the expression and factor it. There are two of them: (x-8) and (x-25) = 0. As a result, we have two roots 8 and 25.

Examples with solving quadratic equations in grade 9 allow this method to find a variable in expressions not only of the second, but even of the third and fourth orders.

For example: 2x 3 + 2x 2 - 18x - 18 = 0. When factoring the right side into factors with a variable, there are three of them, that is, (x+1), (x-3) and (x+3).

As a result, it becomes obvious that this equation has three roots: -3; -1; 3.

Square Root

Another case of an incomplete second-order equation is an expression represented in the language of letters in such a way that the right-hand side is constructed from the components ax 2 and c. Here, to obtain the value of the variable, the free term is transferred to the right side, and after that the square root is extracted from both sides of the equality. It should be noted that in this case there are usually two roots of the equation. The only exceptions can be equalities that do not contain a term with at all, where the variable is equal to zero, as well as variants of expressions when the right side is negative. In the latter case, there are no solutions at all, since the above actions cannot be performed with roots. Examples of solutions to quadratic equations of this type should be considered.

In this case, the roots of the equation will be the numbers -4 and 4.

Calculation of land area

The need for this kind of calculations appeared in ancient times, because the development of mathematics in those distant times was largely determined by the need to determine with the greatest accuracy the areas and perimeters of land plots.

We should also consider examples of solving quadratic equations based on problems of this kind.

So, let's say there is a rectangular plot of land, the length of which is 16 meters greater than the width. You should find the length, width and perimeter of the site if you know that its area is 612 m 2.

To get started, let's first create the necessary equation. Let us denote by x the width of the area, then its length will be (x+16). From what has been written it follows that the area is determined by the expression x(x+16), which, according to the conditions of our problem, is 612. This means that x(x+16) = 612.

Solving complete quadratic equations, and this expression is exactly that, cannot be done in the same way. Why? Although the left side still contains two factors, their product does not equal 0 at all, so different methods are used here.

Discriminant

First of all, we will make the necessary transformations, then the appearance of this expression will look like this: x 2 + 16x - 612 = 0. This means that we have received the expression in a form corresponding to the previously specified standard, where a=1, b=16, c= -612.

This could be an example of solving quadratic equations using a discriminant. Here the necessary calculations are made according to the scheme: D = b 2 - 4ac. This auxiliary quantity not only makes it possible to find the required quantities in a second-order equation, it determines the number of possible options. If D>0, there are two of them; for D=0 there is one root. In case D<0, никаких шансов для решения у уравнения вообще не имеется.

About roots and their formula

In our case, the discriminant is equal to: 256 - 4(-612) = 2704. This suggests that our problem has an answer. If you know k, the solution of quadratic equations must be continued using the formula below. It allows you to calculate the roots.

This means that in the presented case: x 1 =18, x 2 =-34. The second option in this dilemma cannot be a solution, because the dimensions of the land plot cannot be measured in negative quantities, which means x (that is, the width of the plot) is 18 m. From here we calculate the length: 18+16=34, and the perimeter 2(34+ 18)=104(m2).

Examples and tasks

We continue our study of quadratic equations. Examples and detailed solutions of several of them will be given below.

1) 15x 2 + 20x + 5 = 12x 2 + 27x + 1

Let’s move everything to the left side of the equality, make a transformation, that is, we’ll get the type of equation that is usually called standard, and equate it to zero.

15x 2 + 20x + 5 - 12x 2 - 27x - 1 = 0

Adding similar ones, we determine the discriminant: D = 49 - 48 = 1. This means our equation will have two roots. Let's calculate them according to the above formula, which means that the first of them will be equal to 4/3, and the second to 1.

2) Now let's solve mysteries of a different kind.

Let's find out if there are any roots here x 2 - 4x + 5 = 1? To obtain a comprehensive answer, let’s reduce the polynomial to the corresponding usual form and calculate the discriminant. In the above example, it is not necessary to solve the quadratic equation, because this is not the essence of the problem at all. In this case, D = 16 - 20 = -4, which means there really are no roots.

Vieta's theorem

It is convenient to solve quadratic equations using the above formulas and the discriminant, when the square root is taken from the value of the latter. But this does not always happen. However, there are many ways to obtain the values ​​of variables in this case. Example: solving quadratic equations using Vieta's theorem. She is named after who lived in the 16th century in France and made a brilliant career thanks to his mathematical talent and connections at court. His portrait can be seen in the article.

The pattern that the famous Frenchman noticed was as follows. He proved that the roots of the equation add up numerically to -p=b/a, and their product corresponds to q=c/a.

Now let's look at specific tasks.

3x 2 + 21x - 54 = 0

For simplicity, let's transform the expression:

x 2 + 7x - 18 = 0

Let's use Vieta's theorem, this will give us the following: the sum of the roots is -7, and their product is -18. From here we get that the roots of the equation are the numbers -9 and 2. After checking, we will make sure that these variable values ​​really fit into the expression.

Parabola graph and equation

The concepts of quadratic function and quadratic equations are closely related. Examples of this have already been given earlier. Now let's look at some mathematical riddles in a little more detail. Any equation of the described type can be represented visually. Such a relationship, drawn as a graph, is called a parabola. Its various types are presented in the figure below.

Any parabola has a vertex, that is, a point from which its branches emerge. If a>0, they go high to infinity, and when a<0, они рисуются вниз. Простейшим примером подобной зависимости является функция y = x 2 . В данном случае в уравнении x 2 =0 неизвестное может принимать только одно значение, то есть х=0, а значит существует только один корень. Это неудивительно, ведь здесь D=0, потому что a=1, b=0, c=0. Выходит формула корней (точнее одного корня) квадратного уравнения запишется так: x = -b/2a.

Visual representations of functions help solve any equations, including quadratic ones. This method is called graphical. And the value of the x variable is the abscissa coordinate at the points where the graph line intersects with 0x. The coordinates of the vertex can be found using the formula just given x 0 = -b/2a. And by substituting the resulting value into the original equation of the function, you can find out y 0, that is, the second coordinate of the vertex of the parabola, which belongs to the ordinate axis.

The intersection of the branches of a parabola with the abscissa axis

There are a lot of examples of solving quadratic equations, but there are also general patterns. Let's look at them. It is clear that the intersection of the graph with the 0x axis for a>0 is possible only if 0 takes negative values. And for a<0 координата у 0 должна быть положительна. Для указанных вариантов D>0. Otherwise D<0. А когда D=0, вершина параболы расположена непосредственно на оси 0х.

From the graph of the parabola you can also determine the roots. The opposite is also true. That is, if it is not easy to obtain a visual representation of a quadratic function, you can equate the right side of the expression to 0 and solve the resulting equation. And knowing the points of intersection with the 0x axis, it is easier to construct a graph.

From the history

Using equations containing a squared variable, in the old days they not only made mathematical calculations and determined the areas of geometric figures. The ancients needed such calculations for grand discoveries in the fields of physics and astronomy, as well as for making astrological forecasts.

As modern scientists suggest, the inhabitants of Babylon were among the first to solve quadratic equations. This happened four centuries before our era. Of course, their calculations were radically different from those currently accepted and turned out to be much more primitive. For example, Mesopotamian mathematicians had no idea about the existence of negative numbers. They were also unfamiliar with other subtleties that any modern schoolchild knows.

Perhaps even earlier than the scientists of Babylon, the sage from India Baudhayama began solving quadratic equations. This happened about eight centuries before the era of Christ. True, the second-order equations, the methods for solving which he gave, were the simplest. Besides him, Chinese mathematicians were also interested in similar questions in the old days. In Europe, quadratic equations began to be solved only at the beginning of the 13th century, but later they were used in their works by such great scientists as Newton, Descartes and many others.

Formulas for the roots of a quadratic equation. The cases of real, multiple and complex roots are considered. Factoring a quadratic trinomial. Geometric interpretation. Examples of determining roots and factoring.

Basic formulas

Consider the quadratic equation:
(1) .
Roots of a quadratic equation(1) are determined by the formulas:
; .
These formulas can be combined like this:
.
When the roots of a quadratic equation are known, then a polynomial of the second degree can be represented as a product of factors (factored):
.

Next we assume that are real numbers.
Let's consider discriminant of a quadratic equation:
.
If the discriminant is positive, then the quadratic equation (1) has two different real roots:
; .
Then the factorization of the quadratic trinomial has the form:
.
If the discriminant is equal to zero, then the quadratic equation (1) has two multiple (equal) real roots:
.
Factorization:
.
If the discriminant is negative, then the quadratic equation (1) has two complex conjugate roots:
;
.
Here is the imaginary unit, ;
and are the real and imaginary parts of the roots:
; .
Then

.

Graphic interpretation

If you plot the function
,
which is a parabola, then the points of intersection of the graph with the axis will be the roots of the equation
.
At , the graph intersects the x-axis (axis) at two points.
When , the graph touches the x-axis at one point.
When , the graph does not cross the x-axis.

Below are examples of such graphs.

Useful formulas related to quadratic equation

(f.1) ;
(f.2) ;
(f.3) .

Derivation of the formula for the roots of a quadratic equation

We carry out transformations and apply formulas (f.1) and (f.3):




,
Where
; .

So, we got the formula for a polynomial of the second degree in the form:
.
This shows that the equation

performed at
And .
That is, and are the roots of the quadratic equation
.

Examples of determining the roots of a quadratic equation

Example 1

(1.1) .

Solution

.
Comparing with our equation (1.1), we find the values ​​of the coefficients:
.
We find the discriminant:
.
Since the discriminant is positive, the equation has two real roots:
;
;
.

From here we obtain the factorization of the quadratic trinomial:

.

Graph of the function y = 2 x 2 + 7 x + 3 intersects the x-axis at two points.

Let's plot the function
.
The graph of this function is a parabola. It crosses the abscissa axis (axis) at two points:
And .
These points are the roots of the original equation (1.1).

Answer

;
;
.

Example 2

Find the roots of a quadratic equation:
(2.1) .

Solution

Let's write the quadratic equation in general form:
.
Comparing with the original equation (2.1), we find the values ​​of the coefficients:
.
We find the discriminant:
.
Since the discriminant is zero, the equation has two multiple (equal) roots:
;
.

Then the factorization of the trinomial has the form:
.

Graph of the function y = x 2 - 4 x + 4 touches the x-axis at one point.

Let's plot the function
.
The graph of this function is a parabola. It touches the x-axis (axis) at one point:
.
This point is the root of the original equation (2.1). Because this root is factored twice:
,
then such a root is usually called a multiple. That is, they believe that there are two equal roots:
.

Answer

;
.

Example 3

Find the roots of a quadratic equation:
(3.1) .

Solution

Let's write the quadratic equation in general form:
(1) .
Let's rewrite the original equation (3.1):
.
Comparing with (1), we find the values ​​of the coefficients:
.
We find the discriminant:
.
The discriminant is negative, .

Therefore there are no real roots.
;
;
.

You can find complex roots:


.

Then

Let's plot the function
.
The graph of the function does not cross the x-axis. There are no real roots.

Answer

The graph of this function is a parabola. It does not intersect the x-axis (axis). Therefore there are no real roots.
;
;
.