Question

Create a quadratic equation that cannot be solved by factoring, but can be solved using the quadratic formula. Identify the values of a, b, and c, and find the solutions using the quadratic formula. Show all work to receive credit.

Using complete sentences, explain how you know that the equation from the first part cannot be solved by factoring, but can be solved by using the quadratic formula.

Answer 1

That's a poorly worded question, because once you know the solutions you can write the factors. But I think they mean write a quadratic equation with complex solutions. The way to know if the solutions are complex is to see if the discriminant is negative. So, pick a, b, and c that make the discriminant negative.