Loh’s version is easier for students because it, “provides one method for solving all kinds of quadratic equations.” A technique with ancient rootsĭr.
#QUADRATIC EQUATION EXAMPLES HOW TO#
“Math is not about memorizing formulas without meaning, but rather about learning how to reason logically through precise statements,” Dr. (It also provides a more straightforward proof.) Loh’s method allows people to calculate the answers without remembering the exact formula. This alternate method for solving quadratic equations uses the fact that parabolas are symmetrical.ĭr. “If you graph it, it’s much easier for the kids to understand what’s going on,” he said. But for many algebra students, the jumble of algebraic symbols is still confusing. Loh’s method eliminates this guessing game.
Guessing also becomes cumbersome for quadratics with large numbers, and it only works neatly for problems that are contrived to have integer answers.ĭr.
“The fact that you suddenly have to switch into a guessing mode makes you feel like maybe math is confusing or not systematic,” Dr. If they exist, then r and s are the two and only two solutions.įiguring out the factors that work is essentially trial and error. The key is to find r and s such that the sum of r and s equals 4 (that is, r + s = 4), and multiplying r and s produces –5 ( r × s = –5). Multiplying out ( x – r)( x – s) produces x² – ( r + s) x + rs.