In this Section:
In this section, we will introduce a new type of equation known as the quadratic equation. A quadratic equation contains a squared variable and no other term with a higher degree. In order to solve a quadratic equation by factoring, we begin by placing the quadratic equation in standard form. This results in one side being set equal to zero. We then factor and set these factors (that include a variable) individually equal to zero. We solve each problem individually, check and report our answers. If the quadratic is not factorable, we will not be able to use this method. In many cases, we have to turn to the quadratic formula, which will be taught at the end of the course.