Name: ________________

Solving Quadratics with Factoring

This worksheet will help you understand the connection between the standard form,
factored form, and the roots of a quadratic equation. Fill in the missing boxes!
Standard Form Factored Form Roots Certified!
2
ax +bx +c=0 a( x−P )( x−Q ) {P, Q}

x 2 +5 x+ 6=0

x 2−6 x−7=0

x 2−7 x +12=0

( x−2)( x +5)=0

( x+7 )( x−7 )=0

{1, 8}

{-5, 2}

{3, 3}

Analysis Questions

1. What happens in the standard form equation for quadratics like ( x+7 )( x−7 )=0 ,
where the roots are opposites of each other? Can you come up with a general formula
that describes this phenomenon?

2. What happens to the factored form when you have a double root, like in the last exercise
on this page? Can you come up with a general formula that describes this phenomenon?
 −b± √ b 2−4 ac
x=
2a
The Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is one of the most famous in high school algebra. (Can you
memorize it???) This is because this provides a way to solve any quadratic equation
in standard form. This worksheet will help you practice using the formula, but you
should use MVAmath.com for additional practice of course! (Extra credit
assignment)

2
Steps in the Method Example: −3 x +6 x+ 2=0
1. Write the coefficients of the equation a=
(from the standard form), and then write
the quadratic formula without the numbers b = x = ----------------------
replaced yet.
c=
2. Using parentheses, carefully plug in all
of the coefficients into the equation.
**You must use parentheses! For example, x = -------------------------------------
-42 is not the same as (-4)2 ! (Why?)

3. Simplify the three "blocks" of the

equation: "-b", the "b2 - 4ac", and "2a".

Keep the +/- and radical signs as they are.

4. Reduce the radical if possible.

5. Take out common factors and write in

reduced +/- form.

6. Write the two roots using set notation,

{P, Q}. Usually you simplify to lowest
radicals, but round the answers if the
situation requires rounding.

2
Try this! Solve 4 x +2 =- 3 x . Hint: the quadratic equation needs standard
form!