How you decide when you should use the quadratic formula to solve a problem?

Question

mathmale · Answer

When would you NOT use the quadratic equation to solve a problem?  And in this case, what do we mean by "solve"?  What are we solving for?   

If you can answer my questions, it may be easier for you to answer the original question.

hartnn · Answer

i assume you have some quadratic equation with you.
of the form $ax^2+bx+c=0$ or its equivalent.

vasically you can use the quadratic formula EVERYTIME! for solving every quadratic equation
but sometimes it is preferable to use factor method. 
when $b^2-4ac$ is an integer.

mathmale · Answer

Wouldn't it be better to say "when b^2 - 4ac is a positive perfect square"?

hartnn · Answer

oh yes, i meant that only
$\sqrt{b^2-4ac}$ an integer
for that 
$b^2-4ac$ must be a perfect square

anonymous · Answer

Thanks you guys! this helped out a lot!! @mathmale @hartnn

hartnn · Answer

welcome ^_^
you seem to be new here,
$\Huge \mathcal{\text{Welcome To OpenStudy}\ddot\smile} $