Solving Quadratic Equations – Square Root Method The square root method can be used to solve a quadratic equation that can be set up into the following form: Examples:
An important property used to solve a quadratic equation by the square root method is given below. Let y be an expression in variable x. Principle of Square Roots If Then orThis can also be written as
1.Get the variable quantity that is squared on the left side of the equation and the constant on the right side of the equation. 2.Take the square root of both sides. This step uses the Principle of Square Roots. 3. Solve for the variable. Square Root Method to Solve Quadratic Equations
Example 1: Move the constant to the right side of the equation Take the square root of both sides of the equation Simplify Solve the equation
Example 2: Move the constant to the right side of the equation Take the square root of both sides of the equation Solve for the variable Solve the equation
Example 3: Move the constant to the right side of the equation Take the square root of both sides of the equation Solve for the variable Solve the equation
Example 4: Since the constant is already on the right side, and 25 is a perfect square, take the square root of both sides Solve the equation
Solve for the variable