2-6 The

2-6 The Quadratic

Quadratic Formula
Formula

Warm Up
Lesson Presentation
Lesson Quiz

Holt
Holt
Holt McDougal
Algebra 2Algebra
McDougal Algebra22
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

Warm Up
Write each function in standard form.
1. f(x) = (x – 4)2 + 3 2. g(x) = 2(x + 6)2 – 11

f(x) = x2 – 8x + 19 g(x) = 2x2 + 24x + 61

Evaluate b2 – 4ac for the given values of
the valuables.
3. a = 2, b = 7, c = 5 4. a = 1, b = 3, c = –3
9 21

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

Objectives
Solve quadratic equations using the
Quadratic Formula.
Classify roots using the discriminant.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

Vocabulary
discriminant

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

You have learned several methods for solving

quadratic equations: graphing, making tables,
factoring, using square roots, and completing the
square. Another method is to use the Quadratic
Formula, which allows you to solve a quadratic
equation in standard form.

By completing the square on the standard form

of a quadratic equation, you can determine the
Quadratic Formula.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

Remember!
To subtract fractions, you need a common
denominator.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

The symmetry of a quadratic

function is evident in the last
step, . These two
zeros are the same distance,

, away from the axis of

symmetry, ,with one zero
on either side of the vertex.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

You can use the Quadratic Formula to solve any

quadratic equation that is written in standard form,
including equations with real solutions or complex
solutions.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 1: Quadratic Functions with Real Zeros

Find the zeros of f(x)= 2x2 – 16x + 27 using

the Quadratic Formula.
2x2 – 16x + 27 = 0 Set f(x) = 0.
Write the Quadratic
Formula.
Substitute 2 for a, –16
for b, and 27 for c.

Simplify.

Write in simplest form.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 1 Continued

Check Solve by completing the square.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 1a
Find the zeros of f(x) = x2 + 3x – 7 using the
Quadratic Formula.
x2 + 3x – 7 = 0 Set f(x) = 0.

Write the Quadratic Formula.

Substitute 1 for a, 3 for b,

and –7 for c.

Simplify.

Write in simplest form.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 1a Continued

Check Solve by completing the square.

x2 + 3x – 7 = 0
x2 + 3x = 7

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 1b
Find the zeros of f(x)= x2 – 8x + 10 using the
Quadratic Formula.

x2 – 8x + 10 = 0 Set f(x) = 0.
Write the Quadratic Formula.

Substitute 1 for a, –8 for b,

and 10 for c.

Simplify.

Write in simplest form.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 1b Continued

Check Solve by completing the square.

x2 – 8x + 10 = 0
x2 – 8x = –10
x2 – 8x + 16 = –10 + 16
(x + 4)2 = 6


Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 2: Quadratic Functions with Complex Zeros
Find the zeros of f(x) = 4x2 + 3x + 2 using the
Quadratic Formula.
f(x)= 4x2 + 3x + 2 Set f(x) = 0.
Write the Quadratic Formula.

Substitute 4 for a, 3 for b, and

2 for c.

Simplify.

Write in terms of i.
Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 2
Find the zeros of g(x) = 3x2 – x + 8 using the
Quadratic Formula.
Set f(x) = 0

Write the Quadratic Formula.

Substitute 3 for a, –1 for b,

and 8 for c.

Simplify.

Write in terms of i.
Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

The discriminant is part of the Quadratic

Formula that you can use to determine the
number of real roots of a quadratic equation.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

Caution!
Make sure the equation is in standard form
before you evaluate the discriminant, b2 – 4ac.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 3A: Analyzing Quadratic Equations by Using
the Discriminant
Find the type and number of solutions for the
equation.
x2 + 36 = 12x
x2 – 12x + 36 = 0
b2 – 4ac
(–12)2 – 4(1)(36)
144 – 144 = 0
b2 – 4ac = 0

The equation has one distinct real solution.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 3B: Analyzing Quadratic Equations by Using
the Discriminant
Find the type and number of solutions for the
equation.
x2 + 40 = 12x
x2 – 12x + 40 = 0
b2 – 4ac
(–12)2 – 4(1)(40)
144 – 160 = –16
b2 –4ac < 0

The equation has two distinct nonreal complex

solutions.
Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 3C: Analyzing Quadratic Equations by Using
the Discriminant
Find the type and number of solutions for the
equation.
x2 + 30 = 12x
x2 – 12x + 30 = 0
b2 – 4ac
(–12)2 – 4(1)(30)
144 – 120 = 24
b2 – 4ac > 0

The equation has two distinct real solutions.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 3a

Find the type and number of solutions for the

equation.
x2 – 4x = –4
x2 – 4x + 4 = 0
b2 – 4ac
(–4)2 – 4(1)(4)
16 – 16 = 0
b2 – 4ac = 0

The equation has one distinct real solution.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 3b
Find the type and number of solutions for the
equation.
x2 – 4x = –8
x2 – 4x + 8 = 0
b2 – 4ac
(–4)2 – 4(1)(8)
16 – 32 = –16
b2 – 4ac < 0

The equation has two distinct nonreal complex

solutions.
Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 3c
Find the type and number of solutions for each
equation.
x2 – 4x = 2
x2 – 4x – 2 = 0
b2 – 4ac
(–4)2 – 4(1)(–2)
16 + 8 = 24
b2 – 4ac > 0

The equation has two distinct real solutions.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

The graph shows

related functions.
Notice that the
number of real
solutions for the
equation can be
changed by changing
the value of the
constant c.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 4: Sports Application
An athlete on a track team throws a
shot put. The height y of the shot put
in feet t seconds after it is thrown is
modeled by y = –16t2 + 24.6t + 6.5.
The horizontal distance x in between
the athlete and the shot put is
modeled by x = 29.3t. To the nearest
foot, how far does the shot put land
from the athlete?

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 4 Continued
Step 1 Use the first equation to determine how long
it will take the shot put to hit the ground.
Set the height of the shot put equal to 0 feet,
and the use the quadratic formula to solve for t.
y = –16t2 + 24.6t + 6.5
0 = –16t2 + 24.6t + 6.5 Set y equal to 0.

Use the Quadratic

Formula.

Substitute –16 for a, 24.6

for b, and 6.5 for c.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 4 Continued

Simplify.

The time cannot be negative, so the shot put hits

the ground about 1.8 seconds after it is released.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 4 Continued
Step 2 Find the horizontal distance that the shot put
will have traveled in this time.

x = 29.3t

x ≈ 29.3(1.77) Substitute 1.77 for t.

x ≈ 51.86 Simplify.
x ≈ 52

The shot put will have traveled a horizontal distance

of about 52 feet.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Example 4 Continued
Check Use substitution to check that the shot put
hits the ground after about 1.77 seconds.

y = –16t2 + 24.6t + 6.5

y ≈ –16(1.77)2 + 24.6(1.77) + 6.5
y ≈ –50.13 + 43.54 + 6.5
y ≈ –0.09  The height is approximately equal to
0 when t = 1.77.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 4

A pilot of a helicopter plans to release a bucket

of water on a forest fire. The height y in feet of
the water t seconds after its release is modeled
by y = –16t2 – 2t + 500. the horizontal distance
x in feet between the water and its point of
release is modeled by x = 91t.

The pilot’s altitude decreases, which changes

the function describing the water’s height to
y = –16t2 –2t + 400. To the nearest foot, at
what horizontal distance from the target
should the pilot begin releasing the water?

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 4 Continued
Step 1 Use the equation to determine how long it
will take the water to hit the ground. Set the
height of the water equal to 0 feet, and then
use the quadratic formula for t.
y = –16t2 – 2t + 400
0 = –16t2 – 2t + 400 Set y equal to 0.

Write the Quadratic

Formula.

Substitute –16 for a, –2

for b, and 400 for c.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 4

Simplify.

t ≈ –5.063 or t ≈ 4.937

The time cannot be negative, so the water

lands on a target about 4.937 seconds after it
is released.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 4 Continued
Step 2 The horizontal distance x in feet between the
water and its point of release is modeled by
x = 91t. Find the horizontal distance that the
water will have traveled in this time.
x = 91t
x ≈ 91(4.937) Substitute 4.937 for t.
x ≈ 449.267 Simplify.
x ≈ 449
The water will have traveled a horizontal distance of
about 449 feet. Therefore, the pilot should start
releasing the water when the horizontal distance
between the helicopter and the fire is 449 feet.
Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Check It Out! Example 4 Continued
Check Use substitution to check that the water hits
the ground after about 4.937 seconds.

y = –16t2 – 2t + 400
y ≈ –16(4.937)2 – 2(4.937) + 400
y ≈ –389.983 – 9.874 + 400
y ≈ 0.143  The height is approximately equal to
0 when t = 4.937.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Properties of Solving Quadratic Equations

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Properties of Solving Quadratic Equations

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula

Helpful Hint
No matter which method you use to solve a
quadratic equation, you should get the same
answer.

Holt McDougal Algebra 2

 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Lesson Quiz: Part I
Find the zeros of each function by using the
Quadratic Formula.

1. f(x) = 3x2 – 6x – 5

2. g(x) = 2x2 – 6x + 5
Find the type and member of solutions for
each equation.

3. x2 – 14x + 50 4. x2 – 14x + 48
2 distinct nonreal 2 distinct real
complex
Holt McDougal Algebra 2
 2-6 The Quadratic Formula
Lesson Quiz: Part II
5. A pebble is tossed from the top of a cliff. The
pebble’s height is given by y(t) = –16t2 + 200,
where t is the time in seconds. Its horizontal
distance in feet from the base of the cliff is
given by d(t) = 5t. How far will the pebble be
from the base of the cliff when it hits the
ground?

about 18 ft

Holt McDougal Algebra 2