Thread: Simple quadratic question

When using the quadratic formula, if the coefficient of x squared is negative does that mean a is negative or absolute?

Originally Posted by olivia59

When using the quadratic formula, if the coefficient of x squared is negative does that mean a is negative or absolute?

Of course a is negative.

Here is an example:

Solve for x:

Using the quadratic formula:



yields

When using the quadratic formula, if the coefficient of x squared is negative does that mean a is negative or absolute?

ax^2 + bx + c = 0 is the quadratic equation. The coefficient of x^2 which is a can be positive or negative.

-2x^2 + x + 3 = 2x^2 - x - 3 = 0, but in case you have this -2x^2 + x + 3 = 0, using quadratic formula, a = -2. But if you choose 2x^2 - x - 3 = 0, then a = 2.

Originally Posted by olivia59

When using the quadratic formula, if the coefficient of x squared is negative does that mean a is negative or absolute?

If is negative, then is negative.