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Mathematics & StatisticsLast updated: 2026-10-18

Quadratic Equation

Solve ax² + bx + c = 0 with real or complex roots, the discriminant and substitution into the quadratic formula.

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Key Formula & Conditions

Learning model

Enter a, b and c from ax² + bx + c = 0 to find the discriminant D = b² − 4ac and the roots. Positive D gives two distinct real roots, zero gives a repeated root, and negative D gives two complex roots.

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Enter values and units

Input range: zero, or absolute values from 10⁻¹² to 10¹². Decimals and scientific notation are accepted.

Formula and example

Enter a, b and c from ax² + bx + c = 0 to find the discriminant D = b² − 4ac and the roots. Positive D gives two distinct real roots, zero gives a repeated root, and negative D gives two complex roots.

x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / (2a)

a = 1, b = −5, c = 6 → D = 1, x = 2, 3

  • Two real rootsx² − 5x + 6 = 0 → x = 2, 3
  • Repeated rootx² − 6x + 9 = 0 → x = 3 (repeated root)
  • Complex rootsx² + 4 = 0 → x = 0 ± 2i

Common mistakes

  • Move all terms to one side before entering coefficients. For x² = 5x − 6, use a=1, b=−5, c=6.
  • Use b=0 if the linear term is absent. An equation with a=0 is not quadratic.

Check the assumptions

Requires a ≠ 0. A negative discriminant produces complex roots. Floating-point rounding can affect coefficients extremely close to a repeated root.

Calculations run in your browser. Inputs and results are not sent or saved.

OpenStax · College Algebra 2e — Quadratic Equations ↗

Verification scope and citation information

Inputs and assumptionsCheck verification scope

Use worked examples within their stated inputs, units and assumptions. Tests cover specific cases at a specific time; they do not certify every input, expert review or standards compliance. Check the references and tool-specific verification notes, and enter your own access date when citing.

APA 7th Edition Format
Tools Hub. (2026). Quadratic Equation [Interactive web calculation tool]. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://the-tools-hub.net/en/tools/quadratic-equation/
BibTeX Entry (@misc)
@misc{tools_hub_quadratic_equation_2026,
  author = {{Tools Hub}},
  title = {Quadratic Equation},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://the-tools-hub.net/en/tools/quadratic-equation/},
  note = {Accessed: YYYY-MM-DD}
}
Detailed validation methodology: Editorial & QA PolicyEnter the date you accessed the tool
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How to use

  1. 1

    Enter values and units

    Use the example or enter your own conditions.

  2. 2

    Calculate

    Check the result and each calculation step.

  3. 3

    Check assumptions

    Review applicability and display precision, then copy inputs and results if needed.

Features

  • Worked steps and unit conversions
  • No account; calculation stays in your browser
  • Copy inputs and results together

Use cases

Check your working

Compare formula substitutions and units with your own calculations.

Details

Requires a ≠ 0. A negative discriminant produces complex roots. Floating-point rounding can affect coefficients extremely close to a repeated root.

FAQ

Can this calculator find complex roots?

Yes. It uses the imaginary unit i. For example, x²+4=0 has roots x=±2i.

How can I check a root?

Substitute the root into the original equation. With x=2 in x²−5x+6, the left side is 4−10+6=0.

Are results exact?

Results use floating-point approximations, displayed to at most 10 significant digits. Measurement significant figures and uncertainty are not inferred.

Are inputs saved?

Inputs and results are not sent to a server or saved. They disappear when you leave the page.

All processing happens in your browser. Your files are never uploaded.

Verified: Known values (x²−5x+6=0 → x=2, 3), repeated and complex roots, the a = 0 case and the working display are covered by browser tests

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