Mathematics
Quadratic Equations
A quadratic equation has the form ax² + bx + c = 0. There are three reliable ways to solve one: factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula. ScanSolve picks the fastest method for your problem and shows every step.
How to Approach Quadratic Equations
Type or photograph the equation
Drop an image of your textbook problem or type the equation directly (e.g. x² + 5x + 6 = 0).
Pick the method or let AI decide
ScanSolve auto-selects factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula based on the coefficients.
Read the worked solution
Every line of algebra is shown. Tap 'Explain' to expand any step, or 'Simplify' for a one-paragraph version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quadratic formula?+
x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a. It solves any quadratic ax² + bx + c = 0 regardless of whether it factors cleanly.
When should I factor vs. use the quadratic formula?+
Try factoring first when a = 1 and the constants are small whole numbers. Use the quadratic formula when factoring is messy or you have irrational/complex roots.
What's the discriminant?+
b² - 4ac. If positive there are two real roots; if zero, one repeated root; if negative, two complex roots. ScanSolve shows the discriminant calculation in every solution.
Can ScanSolve solve quadratics with imaginary roots?+
Yes. When the discriminant is negative we return the two complex roots in standard a + bi form.
Related Topics
More step-by-step guides in Mathematics and adjacent subjects.
Stuck on a Quadratic Equations problem?
Snap a photo or type the question. ScanSolve walks you through every step — same as the worked examples above. 5 free solves per day, no card required.