In a previous post, we covered how to use the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations in standard form
1. Factoring
If the coefficient a in front of x is 1, usually factoring is the most efficient method to go with. The purpose is to turn the quadratic in standard form into x-intercept form so that the roots can be easily identified. For example, take the problem
What we are looking for is two factors that multiply to 8 and add to -6. These will be -2 and -4. So the quadratic in factored form is
If the coefficient a is not 1, you can use the Diamond Method to factor it. For example, take
The simplest way to search for those two numbers is to write out the factors of -30 in pairs, starting with 1, as follows:
Here we can see that 10 and -3 will add up to 7, so these are the factors.
Next, split up the x term in
Then factor by grouping.
However, sometimes you may not be able to find integer factors for ac that add up to b, in which case use the quadratic formula or complete the square.

2. Square Roots Method
Whenever a quadratic equation has only
Start by combining the like terms of
Don’t forget the
Caution – if the last step with

3. Completing the Square
Generally, the purpose of completing the square is to turn a quadratic in standard form into vertex form
First, factor out the coefficient in front of
Next, we want to find a number to add to
Add the 4 inside the parentheses
Because we’ve effectively added 3
Now the
From here, use the square roots method to solve.
The two solutions are irrational, but roughly 3.29 and 0.71.
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Yuki is a skilled educator with a degree in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University. She discovered her passion for teaching math after tutoring at an after-school program. With five years of tutoring experience, Yuki creates a supportive learning environment for students. Outside of tutoring, she enjoys trying new cuisines and playing piano.