Using Quadratic Formula To Solve Quadratic Equations - Part (III)

*The Quadratic Formula can be used to solve any Quadratic equation. But, students must know how to use it; they must know values of a, b, & c; know their directed numbers; and know how to simplify surds.

Solving Complex Quadratic Equation by Factoring - Part (II)

Take a look at another complex equation where factoring does not work. That's where you MUST use the Quadratic Formula

Factorising and Solving Quadratic Equations - GCSE Basic Algebra Questions

Students often find certain topics like Algebra challenging. I’d like to identify the difference between simple and complex quadratic equations and solve them as examples. The questions are real GCSE (UK/Edexcel) exam questions. 

To solve a quadratic equation (equation of the highest power of 2), one MUST first know how to factorise the equation.

Factorising and solving simple quadratic expressions

Factorising and solving simple quadratic expressions (and equations) like x² – 4 (difference of 2 squares) and x² + 4x + 4 can be easy. 

But such this work, introduced in Grade 9 or 10, often paves way for harder questions in later years. 

See the illustrations below on how to solve quadratic equations. You can relate these examples to the questions your teachers set for you.

Solving Simple Quadratic Equations

Factoring Method or Quadratic Formula (Part I)

The factoring method is introduced early in Year 7 and covered extensively in the later years at secondary schools.

More on Solving Complex Quadratic Equations

Find out either to Factorise and solve or use the Quadratic formula in Part (II)

Download GCSE Maths past papers

You can download the past GCSE exam papers online. Here are some websites that many students prefer to use.

• Maths Genie
• Maths Watch
• Dr Frost maths
• Cobette Maths
• GCSE maths in four weeks

Stationery items you will need for exams are available at Ryman: GCSE maths stationery items

Algebra II - Higher Order Questions Sorted by Topic

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Introduction to Algebra

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