I haven't had the time to read EVERY post here but it seems that some people are having problems with Quadratic Equations. I'm flattered that some folks have referenced 1 of my calculators www.1728.com/quadratc.htm . (Incidentally, in high school I just got B's and C's in math).
Without confusing the issue too much, there are 3 ways to solve quadratic equations:
• Factoring
• Completing the square
• The Quadratic Formula
You only have to know one method (unless you have a teacher that wants you to demonstrate your skill at using the other 2).
Anyway, the method I always chose was ... you guessed it ... the Quadratic Formula.
If you visit another one of my website's pages:
http://www.1728.com/minmax.htm
you will see what quadratic equations look like when graphed. When you are solving a quadratic equation (or ANY equation for that matter) you are determining at what point(s) the equation equals zero (or at what point(s) the graph of the equation crosses the 'X' axis.)
I figure I've explained enough for now. If anyone wants to reply to this posting please do.
Someone liked the way I explained the derivation of the quadratic formula. Thanks. Yes, I believe mathematics should be explained in plain English.
Ever visit that guy Eric Weisenstein's Mathworld website? Great in depth explanations of mathematical concepts - IF you already have an advanced mathematics PhD with honors. As I said, I like to speak plain English.
wolf@1728.com
