Question 420491: when solving quadratic equations, you can solve by using the quadratic folmula, or completing the square or factoring. What are the pros and cons of each. When might each method be most appropriate?
Answer by richard1234(7193)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! The quadratic formula guarantees the solutions, even though it might require more arithmetic than factoring. Also, it works when the solutions are complex. Completing the square is also guaranteed to work, unless the coefficients become crazy. Factoring, in reality, assumes you know the zeros. However factoring a quadratic is easiest when the roots are integers, and it is much harder when the polynomial is not monic (i.e. the x^2 coefficient is not 1). It's hard to judge which method is most appropriate, because each method has its pros and cons.
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