Math

Quadratic Formula Calculator — Step-by-Step Roots & Graph

Free quadratic formula calculator. Solves ax² + bx + c = 0 with real and complex roots, discriminant analysis, vertex coordinates, and interactive parabola plot.

How to use this calculator

👉 Fill in the boxes below and your answer appears instantly — no maths needed, we do it all for you! 🎉

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In plain English — what does this do?

🔢 This tool does the maths for you! Just type in your numbers, and it gives you the answer right away. No need to count on your fingers or use a pen and paper.

📌 Direct Answer & Summary

The Quadratic Formula Calculator finds the roots (x-intercepts) of any second-degree polynomial equation ax² + bx + c = 0, calculating both real and imaginary/complex solutions, the discriminant, and the parabola's vertex.

Standard Quadratic Form
ax² + bx + c = 0
Examples:

What is Quadratic Formula Calculator — Step-by-Step Roots & Graph?

The Quadratic Formula Calculator finds the roots (x-intercepts) of any second-degree polynomial equation ax² + bx + c = 0, calculating both real and imaginary/complex solutions, the discriminant, and the parabola's vertex.

How to use it

  1. 1️⃣ Enter the coefficients a, b, and c (where a ≠ 0).
  2. 2️⃣ Inspect the discriminant Δ = b² - 4ac to determine root nature (two real roots, one repeated root, or two complex conjugate roots).
  3. 3️⃣ Review the exact roots and step-by-step algebraic substitution.
  4. 4️⃣ Check the parabola vertex, axis of symmetry, and visual graph plot.

Formula

Quadratic formula: x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / (2a). Discriminant Δ = b² - 4ac. Vertex xᵥ = -b / (2a), yᵥ = c - (b² / 4a).

💡 See it in action — a real example

For 2x² - 4x - 6 = 0: a = 2, b = -4, c = -6. Discriminant Δ = (-4)² - 4(2)(-6) = 16 + 48 = 64. Roots: x = [4 ± √64] / 4 = [4 ± 8] / 4 → x₁ = 3, x₂ = -1.

❓ Common questions

What does the discriminant tell you?
If Δ > 0, the equation has two distinct real roots. If Δ = 0, there is exactly one repeated real root. If Δ < 0, there are two complex roots containing the imaginary unit i.
Why can't coefficient 'a' equal 0?
If a = 0, the x² term disappears, reducing the polynomial to a linear equation bx + c = 0 rather than a quadratic.
What is the vertex of a parabola?
The vertex is the extremum point (absolute minimum if a > 0, absolute maximum if a < 0) located at x = -b / (2a).
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