Quadratic Formula: PROOF

−𝑏± 𝑏 2 −4𝑎𝑐
If 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, Then 𝑥 =
2𝑎
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𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0

Complete the square. Move the constant to the other side.

𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 = −𝑐

Remove the coefficient of x2.

𝑎𝑥 2 𝑏𝑥 −𝑐
+ =
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑏𝑥 𝑐
𝑥2 + = −
𝑎 𝑎
Add new constant to each side. (1/2 the coefficient of x)2.

2 2
2
𝑏𝑥 1 𝑏 𝑐 1 𝑏
𝑥 + + = − +
𝑎 2 𝑎 𝑎 2 𝑎

Simplify.

𝑏𝑥 𝑏2 𝑐 𝑏2
𝑥2 + + = − +
𝑎 4𝑎2 𝑎 4𝑎2

𝑏𝑥 𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐 + 𝑏 2
𝑥2 + + =
𝑎 4𝑎2 4𝑎2
Perfect square.

2
𝑏 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥+ =
2𝑎 4𝑎2
Properties of square roots. Take the square root of each side.

𝑏 2 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥+ =±
2𝑎 4𝑎 2

Simplify.

𝑏 ± 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥+ =
2𝑎 2𝑎

Solve for x.

± 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐 𝑏
𝑥= −
2𝑎 2𝑎
The QUADRATIC FORMLA.

−𝑏 ± 𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎
Proof complete.

-Sgt Ryals, USMC