Which formula or procedure allows you to solve any quadraic funcion? Factoring, the quadratic formula, completing the square, or graphing. Of course you assume the quadratic formula but I'm torn between that, factoring, and completing the square. Because I don't think it would be graphing.

Question

phi · Answer

The quadratic formula works even when the roots are imaginary.

anonymous · Answer

If by solving you mean finding the zeroes then any of those will work (graphing I would say is the least accurate). Factoring can also be tricky for certain quadratics with "non-nice" solutions. By completing the square will always work (as it's used to prove the quadratic formula).

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!

phi · Answer

@Tbates: how do you find complex roots using a graphing technique?

anonymous · Answer

You really wouldn't as the quadratic formula will find them faster and more accurately. By graphing you can really only find whole number solutions.