The quadratic formula defines the points \( (x ; 0) \) on the parabolic graph, where the parabola \( y=a x^{2}+b x+c \) crosses the \( x \)-axis and it can be separated into two terms, \( x=\frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^{2}-4 a c}}{2 a} \) \( x=-\frac{b}{2 a} \pm \frac{\sqrt{b^{2}-4 a c}}{2 a} \) The first term \( -\frac{b}{2 a} \) describes the (i) the line \( x=-\frac{b}{2 a} \). The second term \( \frac{\sqrt{b^{2}-4 a c}}{2 a} \), gives the (ii) If the parabola's vertex is on the \( x \)-axis, then the corresponding equation has a single repeated root on the line of symmetry, and this distance term is zero, algebraically, the (iii)
Real Tutor Solution
Answer
Solution
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
Beyond the Answer
The quadratic formula has a fascinating historical background! It dates back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest known solutions popping up in Babylon around 2000 BC. They had geometrical methods for solving quadratic equations, although they didn't have the formal symbolic notation we use today. It wasn't until the Middle Ages, particularly through the work of Persian and Arab mathematicians, that the quadratic formula was expressed more algebraically, paving the way for modern mathematics. In the real world, quadratic equations are everywhere—from physics to finance! For example, when you throw a ball, its trajectory can be modeled by a quadratic function. The height of the ball over time represents a parabolic path, and you can determine where the ball will hit the ground (the x-axis) using the quadratic formula. This practical application helps engineers design everything from roller coasters to projectile motion scenarios in video games!