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Summary: Solving Quadratic Equations Solutions

You have learned five ways to solve quadratic equations. The method you use depends on the equation you are given and what you need to know about the roots.

Fill in Example Equations for each method for solving quadratic equations.

Method When do you use it? Does it always work? Example Equations
Graphing When you do not need exact roots and need a visual way to represent a quadratic equation Sometimes
  1. Sample: x2+4x+4=0
  1. Sample: 5x2+x+1=0
Factoring When the the equation can be factored quickly Sometimes
  1. Sample: x25x+6=0
  1. Sample: 16x2+8x+1=0
Square Root Property When you have a binomial squared that is set equal to a number Sometimes
  1. Sample: 9x2=4
  1. Sample: 4x2+25=0
Completing the Square When you need an exact value and the roots are complex values Always
  1. Sample: 4x212x+14=0
  1. Sample: x25x+8=0
Quadratic Formula When you need an efficient way to solve a quadratic equation Always
  1. Sample: 2x2+8x3=0
  1. Sample: x2+3x+7=0

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