How to solve a quadratic equation using square roots

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

1. Simplify:

   If you missed this problem, review (Figure).

2. Simplify:
   .

   If you missed this problem, review (Figure).

3. Factor:
   .

   If you missed this problem, review (Figure).

A quadratic equation is an equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where

We have seen that some quadratic equations can be solved by factoring. In this chapter, we will learn three other methods to use in case a quadratic equation cannot be factored.

Solve Quadratic Equations of the form

using the Square Root Property

We have already solved some quadratic equations by factoring. Let’s review how we used factoring to solve the quadratic equation x2 = 9.

We can easily use factoring to find the solutions of similar equations, like x2 = 16 and x2 = 25, because 16 and 25 are perfect squares. In each case, we would get two solutions,

But what happens when we have an equation like x2 = 7? Since 7 is not a perfect square, we cannot solve the equation by factoring.

Previously we learned that since 169 is the square of 13, we can also say that 13 is a square root of 169. Also, (−13)2 = 169, so −13 is also a square root of 169. Therefore, both 13 and −13 are square roots of 169. So, every positive number has two square roots—one positive and one negative. We earlier defined the square root of a number in this way:

Since these equations are all of the form x2 = k, the square root definition tells us the solutions are the two square roots of k. This leads to the Square Root Property.

Square Root Property

If x2 = k, then

Notice that the Square Root Property gives two solutions to an equation of the form x2 = k, the principal square root of

Now we will solve the equation x2 = 9 again, this time using the Square Root Property.

What happens when the constant is not a perfect square? Let’s use the Square Root Property to solve the equation x2 = 7.

We cannot simplify

How to solve a Quadratic Equation of the form ax2 = k Using the Square Root Property

Solve:

Solve:

The steps to take to use the Square Root Property to solve a quadratic equation are listed here.

Solve a quadratic equation using the square root property.

1. Isolate the quadratic term and make its coefficient one.
2. Use Square Root Property.
3. Simplify the radical.
4. Check the solutions.

In order to use the Square Root Property, the coefficient of the variable term must equal one. In the next example, we must divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient 3 before using the Square Root Property.

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

The Square Root Property states ‘If

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

Our method also works when fractions occur in the equation, we solve as any equation with fractions. In the next example, we first isolate the quadratic term, and then make the coefficient equal to one.

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

The solutions to some equations may have fractions inside the radicals. When this happens, we must rationalize the denominator.

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

Solve Quadratic Equations of the Form a(x − h)2 = k Using the Square Root Property

We can use the Square Root Property to solve an equation of the form a(x − h)2 = k as well. Notice that the quadratic term, x, in the original form ax2 = k is replaced with (x − h).

The first step, like before, is to isolate the term that has the variable squared. In this case, a binomial is being squared. Once the binomial is isolated, by dividing each side by the coefficient of a, then the Square Root Property can be used on (x − h)2.

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

Remember when we take the square root of a fraction, we can take the square root of the numerator and denominator separately.

Solve:

Solve:

We will start the solution to the next example by isolating the binomial term.

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

Sometimes the solutions are complex numbers.

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

The left sides of the equations in the next two examples do not seem to be of the form a(x − h)2. But they are perfect square trinomials, so we will factor to put them in the form we need.

Solve:

Solve:

Solve:

Key Concepts

• Square Root Property

  How to solve a quadratic equation using the square root property.

  1. Isolate the quadratic term and make its coefficient one.
  2. Use Square Root Property.
  3. Simplify the radical.
  4. Check the solutions.

Practice Makes Perfect

Solve Quadratic Equations of the Form ax2 = k Using the Square Root Property

In the following exercises, solve each equation.

Solve Quadratic Equations of the Form a(x − h)2 = k Using the Square Root Property

In the following exercises, solve each equation.

Mixed Practice

In the following exercises, solve using the Square Root Property.

Writing Exercises

In your own words, explain the Square Root Property.

Answers will vary.

In your own words, explain how to use the Square Root Property to solve the quadratic equation

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

Choose how would you respond to the statement “I can solve quadratic equations of the form a times the square of x minus h equals k using the Square Root Property.” “Confidently,” “with some help,” or “No, I don’t get it.”

ⓑ If most of your checks were:

…confidently. Congratulations! You have achieved the objectives in this section. Reflect on the study skills you used so that you can continue to use them. What did you do to become confident of your ability to do these things? Be specific.

…with some help. This must be addressed quickly because topics you do not master become potholes in your road to success. In math every topic builds upon previous work. It is important to make sure you have a strong foundation before you move on. Who can you ask for help? Your fellow classmates and instructor are good resources. Is there a place on campus where math tutors are available? Can your study skills be improved?

…no – I don’t get it! This is a warning sign and you must not ignore it. You should get help right away or you will quickly be overwhelmed. See your instructor as soon as you can to discuss your situation. Together you can come up with a plan to get you the help you need.