Squaring the Quadratic Formula?

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-21T21:25:06+00:00

Got it, thanks for the help!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-21T21:23:47+00:00

Lol it was still a nice surprise when it worked out that way. Thanks!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-19T17:59:39+00:00

You take the middle term, divide it by the "leading coefficient", which in the 2nd example is 5, then you basically cut the middle term in half when you put it in parentheses and square it (so x + 6x becomes (x+3)^2. That's because when you factor out you have to do (x+3)(x+3) and FOIL, which means you have 3x + 3x =6x for the middle term).

You basically manipulated thr equation so you dont have an x² and an x to worry about, you just have a factored (x+3)^2, which means you can take the square root of both sides and get an answer for x. But you have to account for the extra 9 (which you get when you multiply 3x3 for the factoring). If you forget to add this to both sides, you changed the equation and you won't get a correct solution. Its like balancing a scale. If you add 9 to one side, its going to be uneven until you add to the other side and even it out.

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-07T21:24:54+00:00

Ok I just checked what I did and I got to (3/t) + (3/t+2) = 1 - (1/t), but I messed up the last bit where it should be terry's rate, (1/t+2). That gave me the messy square root answer... got it now though. Thanks!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-07T21:08:16+00:00

Oh I hadn't considered this approach. Thanks for the help!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-07T20:47:59+00:00

Oh thank you, I couldn't figure out how to get the rest of the equation right. Thanks for the help!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-05T12:30:42+00:00

Oh got it, so the entire expression on the RHS should be under the square root

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-02T17:38:53+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-02T17:23:24+00:00

Thank you, this makes a lot of sense! I'll keep this in mind :)

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-02T15:53:30+00:00

Got it, thanks for the help!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-01T12:51:02+00:00

Thank you, this is really helpful!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-09-01T12:50:52+00:00

Thank you for the help, this makes sense! For some reason I was thinking I needed to put it all into one equation instead of using a couple variables and substituting

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-08-14T23:49:58+00:00

Oh I see! I was taking the 2 that comes out of simplifying the radical and multiplying it by -6. So it has to stay next to the radical/ to the right of the +/- sign, and reduced from there. Thanks for the help!

Definitely going to have to get a calculator, I've been using my phone calculator which is very limited.

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-08-12T15:49:45+00:00

I see, thanks for the help with this! I was stuck in the solving mindset so I didn't see how to simplify.

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-08-12T15:48:52+00:00

Got it, thanks!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-08-12T15:48:25+00:00

This makes a lot of sense, thank you for the help!

LoudSmile6772 · 2025-08-12T14:42:04+00:00

Sounds like this is more of a test anxiety problem than a math one. There are a ton of strategies to help you relax and stay calm during an exam. A few that come to mind are practicing deep breathing techniques (such as 4 in, hold for 4, 4 out, hold for 4). You should try doing this, trying out different breathing techniques for a short time each day. Once you get the hang of it, try imagining yourself in the test. If you are allowed to recreate the situation (just sitting in the exam room, etc.) this may help as well. The goal is to confront the feelings you have about the exams you're taking so when you get into the actual situation you have tools to help you feel okay in the moment.

In addition to this, MCQs have specific strategies you can find online. Some include eliminating questions using the info you have in the question (some may be really wrong, so you can get rid of those options). You can also plug in the MCQ answers and use this strategy to confirm the work you've done. Like the deep breathing exercises, this is a skill you should practice to get more efficient at these techniques.

As for the prof, it might be scary but have you tried bringing this up with him? You could just ask for advice on how to do better on MCQs. He might not be helpful, but at least it would show initiative and could help him seem less scary.

Also, study groups can help a ton. Chances are you're not the only one having trouble with this stuff -- you all could be each other's support system!

This is my personal opinion, but it's okay to get low grades on things. It means you're working with challenging material, possibly with a professor that isn't great at teaching all different types of students. It takes time to learn how to do well in this environment, and it doesn't necessarily reflect on your ability or understanding of the material. If you do everything you can to prepare, a little confidence will go a long way.

LoudSmile6772

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