A Conversation for The Quadratic Formula
Negative variables
TRiG (Ireland) A dog, so bade in office Started conversation Jan 8, 2009
You mention quadratic equations with negative variables, such as ax^2 - bx +c = 0. In my mind, such don't exist.
The equation x^2 - 12x + 5 = 0 is in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0.
a = 1.
b = -12.
c = 5.
It's still + bx, but b itself is negative. Isn't that an easier, or at least more consistent, way to look at things?
TRiG.
Negative variables
warner - a new era of cooperation Posted Jan 11, 2009
TRiG 
I know what you mean, "there's only one formula", keep it simple,
just substitute the values of a, b & c with their signs into that formula.
But what about 'imaginary' numbers. Do they exist ?
As in the 'guide entry', is there a rectangle with a width of -9 ?
Negative variables
SashaQ - happysad Posted Dec 2, 2017
I agree TRiG (and indeed if both a and c are negative, there is no need to change the sign of -4ac in the formula even if someone wanted to!)
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Negative variables
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