SOLUTION: I do not under stand how to solve quadratic equations and I'am stuck on solving this problem please use simple terms. y=-x2-4x-3 Thank you for all you do!

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: I do not under stand how to solve quadratic equations and I'am stuck on solving this problem please use simple terms. y=-x2-4x-3 Thank you for all you do!      Log On


   



Question 210968: I do not under stand how to solve quadratic equations and I'am stuck on solving this problem please use simple terms. y=-x2-4x-3 Thank you for all you do!
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You can always solve a quadratic equation by using the quadratic formula:x+=+%28-b%2B-sqrt%28b%5E2-4ac%29%29%2F2a but you first have to set y = 0, and, in this problem: a = -1, b = -4, and c = -3.
These values come from looking at the general form of the quadratic equation:ax%5E2%2Bbx%2Bc+=+0 so for your equation, we have:
-x%5E2-4x-3+=+0 Now substitute the values of a = -1, b = -4, and c = -3 into the quadratic formula above.
x+=+%28-%28-4%29%2B-sqrt%28%28-4%29%5E2-4%28-1%29%28-3%29%29%29%2F2%28-1%29 Evaluate:
x+=+%284%2B-sqrt%2816-12%29%29%2F%28-2%29
x+=+%284%2B-sqrt%284%29%29%2F%28-2%29
x+=+-2%2B%28-1%29 or x+=+-2-%28-1%29
highlight%28x+=+-3%29 or highlight%28x+=+-1%29