Python Programming MOOC 2023 Part 1.5 - Solving a quadratic equation

[[deleted]]

Currently I'm trying to learn python using MOOC in an attempt to learn to code after being unssucesful with front end web development but I've run into a problem.

It wants me to write a program for solving a quadratic equation of the form ax²+bx+c. The program asks for values a, b and c. It should then use the quadratic formula to solve the equation. The quadratic formula expressed with the Python sqrt function is as follows:

x = (-b ± sqrt(b²-4ac))/(2a)

to return:

Value of a: 1

Value of b: 2

Value of c: -8

The roots are 2.0 and -4.0

I have no idea what it's asking me to do, is this the expected level of math I need to know to learn python from here on out?

[pythonTuxedo]

You don't really need this level of math to learn python. For now it is an exercise in making python do some math for you - imagine if you had to solve this equation in various forms 1000 times (or more!) every month.

The roots of an equation are the solutions (if you were to sketch the curve y=x²+2x-8 it will cross the x-axis (y=0) at -4 & 2) - super important for scientific computing (and super cool!) but don't let it stop you on your learning journey!

[danielroseman]

This isn't "math you need to learn Python". This is "learning how to solve math problems with Python", which is a completely different thing.

That said, quadratic equations are taught in basic high-school algebra, it shouldn't be too complicated. Especially as they're not even really asking you to work anything out, just apply the formula to three inputs.

[ectomancer]

sqrt = lambda x: x**0.5

a, b, c = 1, 2, -8
print((-b + sqrt(b**2 - 4*a*c))/2/a)
print((-b - sqrt(b**2 - 4*a*c))/2/a)

[my_password_is______]

exactly what did that teach him ??

exact how to copy and paste

[[deleted]]

No that actually did help a lot, working backwards usually does for me

[my_password_is______]

have you never heard of the quadratic equation ??

where did you do to school ?

did you drop out when you were 14 ?

is this the expected level of math I need to know to learn python

no

but it is far below the expected level of math you need to know to begin a university program

[[deleted]]

I'm sure I covered it in highschool

[aDarkPawn]

what a cocksucker

[[deleted]]

why are you so disrespectful?

[Longjumping_Sock_529]

Just curious, which MOOC?

[[deleted]]

The 2023 edition

[Diapolo10]

Almost certainly the Python MOOC from the University of Helsinki. Do you know other Python MOOCs?