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Root Quadratic Equations
A pure quadratic equation can be solved by taking the square root of both sides of the equation. Before taking the square root, the equation must be arranged with the term isolated on the left hand side of the equation and its coefficient reduced to 1. There are four steps in solving pure quadratic equations by taking the square root.
Step 1. Using the addition and subtraction axioms, isolate the x2 term on the left-hand side of the equation.
Step 2. Using the multiplication and division axioms, eliminate the coefficient from the term.
Step 3. Take the square root of both sides of the equation.
Step 4. Check the roots.
In taking the square root of both sides of the equation, there are two values that satisfy the equation. For example, the square roots of are +x and -x since and . The square roots of 25 are +5 and -5 since (+5)(+5) = 25 and (-5)(-5) = 25. The two square roots are sometimes indicated by the symbol ±. Thus, . Because of this property of square roots, the two roots of a pure quadratic equation are the same except for their sign.
At this point, it should be mentioned that in some cases the result of solving pure quadratic equations is the square root of a negative number. Square roots of negative numbers are called imaginary numbers and will be discussed later in this section.


If a pure quadratic equation is written in general form, a general expression can be written for its roots. The general form of a pure quadratic is the following.

Using the subtraction axiom, subtract c from both sides of the equation.

Using the division axiom, divide both sides of the equation by a.



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