The formula for the quadratic formula is x (c in this case) = (-b(+/-)√(b²-4ac))/2a This is used for an equation in standard quadratic form: ax² + bx + c = 0 1.) Put it in the correct form, if not already in it. Ex. c² + 6c + 8 = 0 2.) Identify each part of the equation: a = 1 (the leading coefficient), b = 6 (the coefficient in front of the second variable), c = 8 3.) Plug in each variable answer c = (-6(+/-)√(6²-4(1)(8))/2(1) 4.) Simplify c = (-6(+/-)√(36-(4*8))/2 c = (-6(+/-)√(36-32))/2 c = (-6(+/-)√(4))/2 c = (-6(+/-)2)/2 *Here, the equation splits in two. It becomes: c = (-6+2)/2 AND c = (-6-2)/2 *Simplify again: c = -4/2 AND c = -8/2 c = -2 AND c = -4 The answers c = -2 and c = -4 would solve the given equation. Hope this helps! :)
