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How to solve quadratic equations with fractions

Learn how to solve quadratic equations with fractions step by step using Complete the Square method.

Today, I realized that I am afraid of fraction calculation and decided to solve a quadratic equation o overcome this fear, step out of my comfort zone and practice my calculation skills.

  • Solve general form quadratic equations with fractions
x2+bax+ca=0(x+b2a)2=(b2a)2ca=b24a2cax+b2a=±b24ac2ax=b±b24ac2a\begin{aligned} &x^{2}+ \frac{b}{a}x+ \frac{c}{a}=0 \\ &(x+\frac{b}{2a})^{2}=(\frac{b}{2a})^{2}-\frac{c}{a}=\frac{b^{2}}{4a^{2}}-\frac{c}{a} \\ &\Rightarrow x+\frac{b}{2a} = \pm \frac{\sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}\\ &\Rightarrow x =\frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a} \end{aligned}
  • Practice with an example
y2116y+12=0(y116÷2)2=(116÷2)212=(1112)212=49144y116÷2=±49144=±712y112=±712y=13or32\begin{aligned} &&y^{2}-\frac{11}{6}y+\frac{1}{2}&=0\\ &&(y-\frac{11}{6}\div2)^{2}&=(\frac{11}{6}\div2)^{2}-\frac{1}{2}\\ && &=(\frac{11}{12})^{2}-\frac{1}{2}\\ && &=\frac{49}{144}\\ & \Rightarrow &y-\frac{11}{6}\div2&= \pm \sqrt{\frac{49}{144}}\\ && &=\pm\frac{7}{12}\\ & \Rightarrow &y-\frac{11}{2}&=\pm\frac{7}{12}\\ & \Rightarrow &y&=\frac{1}{3} or \frac{3}{2} \end{aligned}