SOLUTION: Could you please take the time to help me solve this problem: What is the sum of the roots of the quadratic equation: a x2 + b x + c = 0, where a, b, and c are all non-zero real co

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Could you please take the time to help me solve this problem: What is the sum of the roots of the quadratic equation: a x2 + b x + c = 0, where a, b, and c are all non-zero real co      Log On


   



Question 106792: Could you please take the time to help me solve this problem: What is the sum of the roots of the quadratic equation: a x2 + b x + c = 0, where a, b, and c are all non-zero real constants.
Thanks for your help.

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The sum of the roots of ax%5E2%2Bbx%2Bc+=+0 where a, b, and c are real non-zero constants.
The roots of this general quadratic equation are given by:
x+=+%28-b%2Bsqrt%28b%5E2-4ac%29%29%2F2a or x+=+%28-b-sqrt%28b%5E2-4ac%29%29%2F2a
When we add these, we get:
= 2%28-b%2F2a%29+=+-b%2Fa