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Quadratic Equations Overview

Jun 18, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces and illustrates quadratic equations for Grade 9 students, covering definitions, standard forms, and provides sample equations to recognize and construct quadratic equations.

Objectives of the Lesson

  • Understand the definition of a quadratic equation.
  • Identify the standard form of a quadratic equation.
  • Distinguish quadratic equations from other types of equations.
  • Provide examples of quadratic equations.

What is a Quadratic Equation?

  • A quadratic equation is any equation that can be written in the form ax² + bx + c = 0 where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0.
  • The highest exponent of the variable (usually x) in a quadratic equation is always 2.

Standard Form

  • Standard form of a quadratic equation: ax² + bx + c = 0.
  • The coefficient a must not be zero for the equation to be quadratic.

Examples of Quadratic Equations

  • x² = 9 can be rewritten as x² - 9 = 0; this is quadratic.
  • 2x² + 3x - 5 = 0 is already in standard quadratic form.
  • x(x - 2) = 10 expands to x² - 2x - 10 = 0, fitting the standard form.
  • Quadratic equations may have missing terms (for example: x² - 4 = 0 has b = 0).

Non-Quadratic Equations

  • Equations with x to the first power only (like 3x + 2 = 0) are linear, not quadratic.
  • Equations with exponents higher than 2 (like x³ - 1 = 0) are not quadratic.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Quadratic Equation — an equation with the highest exponent of 2 for a variable, usually in the form ax² + bx + c = 0.
  • Standard Form — the format ax² + bx + c = 0 for quadratic equations, with a ≠ 0.
  • Coefficient — a number multiplying a variable in an equation.
  • Constant — a fixed value in an equation (the c in ax² + bx + c).

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice identifying and rewriting equations into quadratic standard form.
  • Prepare for next lesson: Solving quadratic equations by extracting square roots.