# Quadratic Equations and Functions

## Solve Equations in Quadratic Form


### Solve Equations in Quadratic Form

Sometimes when we factored trinomials, the trinomial did not appear to be in the ax2 + bx + c form. So we factored by substitution allowing us to make it fit the ax2 + bx + c form. We used the standard  for the substitution.
To factor the expression x4 − 4x2 − 5, we noticed the variable part of the middle term is x2 and its square, x4, is the variable part of the first term. (We know ) So we let u = x2 and factored.
Similarly, sometimes an equation is not in the ax2 + bx + c = 0 form but looks much like a quadratic equation. Then, we can often make a thoughtful substitution that will allow us to make it fit the ax2 + bx + c = 0 form. If we can make it fit the form, we can then use all of our methods to solve quadratic equations.
Notice that in the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, the middle term has a variable, x, and its square, x2, is the variable part of the first term. Look for this relationship as you try to find a substitution.
Again, we will use the standard u to make a substitution that will put the equation in quadratic form. If the substitution gives us an equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0, we say the original equation was of quadratic form.
The next example shows the steps for solving an equation in quadratic form.
We summarize the steps to solve an equation in quadratic form.
In the next example, the binomial in the middle term, (x − 2) is squared in the first term. If we let u = x − 2 and substitute, our trinomial will be in ax2 + bx + c form.
In the next example, we notice that  Also, remember that when we square both sides of an equation, we may introduce extraneous roots. Be sure to check your answers!
Substitutions for rational exponents can also help us solve an equation in quadratic form. Think of the properties of exponents as you begin the next example.
In the next example, we need to keep in mind the definition of a negative exponent as well as the properties of exponents.

### Key Concepts

1. How to solve equations in quadratic form.



### Practice Makes Perfect

Solve Equations in Quadratic Form
In the following exercises, solve.

### Writing Exercises


### Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.
ⓑ On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your mastery of this section in light of your responses on the checklist? How can you improve this?