Solving Quadratic Equations by Using the Quadratic Formula

Given: x2 + 7x + 11 = 0. How can you find the solution set?

Your first strategy to determine the solution set may be to solve the quadratic equation by factoring. Unfortunately, the trinomial expression cannot be represented as the product of binomial factors. The quadratic formula is an excellent tool to use in this situation, when you encounter a quadratic equation that cannot be solved by factoring. In fact, you can also use the quadratic formula to solve a quadratic equation that can be solved by factoring. Continue on to learn more about the quadratic formula and how it can be used to solve any quadratic equation.