➕ Quadratic Roots Calculator

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\(\squarex^2 \squarex \square = 0\)

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Formula at a glance

Quadratic Roots formula: D = b² − 4ac; x = [ −b ± √D ] ÷ 2a
How the quadratic roots works: D = b² − 4ac

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📘 About the Quadratic Roots

The roots of a quadratic equation are the values of x that make ax² + bx + c equal zero — where the parabola crosses the x-axis.

Enter the coefficients to find both roots, whether they are real, repeated or complex, with the working from the quadratic formula.

🧮 Formula

Discriminant
D = b² − 4ac
Roots
x = [ −b ± √D ] ÷ 2a

Where

  • a, b, c = the coefficients of x², x and the constant term
  • D > 0: two different real roots. D = 0: one repeated root. D < 0: no real roots

✏️ Worked examples

x² − 5x + 6 = 0

You enter
a (coefficient of x²)1
b (coefficient of x)-5
c (constant term)6
You get
Rootsx = 3 and x = 2
Equationx² − 5x + 6 = 0
Discriminant Δ = b² − 4ac1
Nature of rootsTwo distinct real roots (Δ > 0)
Factored form(x − 3)(x − 2)
Vertex (turning point)(2.5, -0.25) — minimum
Sum and product of rootssum = −b/a = 5, product = c/a = 6

x = 3 and x = 2.

Try this example →

x² − 2x − 1 = 0

You enter
a (coefficient of x²)1
b (coefficient of x)-2
c (constant term)-1
You get
Rootsx = 2.414213562 and x = -0.4142135624
Equationx² − 2x − 1 = 0
Discriminant Δ = b² − 4ac8
Nature of rootsTwo distinct real roots (Δ > 0)
Exact formx = (2 ± √8) ÷ 2
Factored form(x − 2.41421)(x + 0.414214) (roots are irrational, shown to 6 figures)
Vertex (turning point)(1, -2) — minimum
Sum and product of rootssum = −b/a = 2, product = c/a = -1

x = 2.414213562 and x = -0.4142135624; x = (2 ± √8) ÷ 2.

Try this example →

x² + 4 = 0

You enter
a (coefficient of x²)1
b (coefficient of x)0
c (constant term)4
You get
Rootsx = 0 + 2i and x = 0 − 2i
Equationx² + 4 = 0
Discriminant Δ = b² − 4ac-16
Nature of rootsTwo complex (imaginary) roots (Δ < 0)
Exact formx = (0 ± i√16) ÷ 2
Factored formDoes not factor over real numbers
Vertex (turning point)(0, 4) — minimum
Sum and product of rootssum = −b/a = 0, product = c/a = 4

x = 0 + 2i and x = 0 − 2i.

Try this example →

🧭 How to use this calculator

What you enter

  • a (coefficient of x²)
  • b (coefficient of x)
  • c (constant term)

What you get

  • Discriminant
  • Root 1
  • Root 2

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is the quadratic formula?

x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)] ÷ 2a, for ax² + bx + c = 0 with a ≠ 0.

What does the discriminant tell me?

b² − 4ac > 0: two real roots; = 0: one repeated root; < 0: two complex roots.

Can a quadratic have complex roots?

Yes, when the discriminant is negative: x = p ± qi. The calculator shows them.

How do I factor a quadratic from its roots?

If the roots are r₁ and r₂, ax² + bx + c = a(x − r₁)(x − r₂).

Are roots and zeros the same?

Yes. The roots of the equation are the zeros of the function y = ax² + bx + c.