Hey there! Ready to level up your algebra skills? Today, we're going to explore quadratic equations and see how they create beautiful curves!
An equation is called 'quadratic' when the highest power of the variable (like x) is 2. This means it has an x-squared term, which we write as x².
The standard form of a quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c = 0. Here, a, b, and c are just regular numbers, but 'a' can never be zero, otherwise the x² term would disappear!
When you graph a quadratic equation, it doesn't make a straight line. Instead, it curves into a beautiful U-shape (or an upside-down U) called a parabola!
✏️ Worked example
Identify the values of a, b, and c in the quadratic equation: 3x² - 5x + 8 = 0
Write down the standard form of a quadratic equation: ax² + bx + c = 0.
Look at the coefficient in front of the x² term. Here, we see 3x², so a = 3.
Look at the coefficient in front of the x term. Remember to include the negative sign! We have -5x, so b = -5.
Look at the constant number at the end. We have +8, so c = 8.
Double check your values: a = 3, b = -5, and c = 8.
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