The sum of the solutions to a quadratic equation is equal to -b/a, where a and b are the coefficients in the standard form of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0.
Understanding the Sum of Roots
Instead of finding the solutions individually and adding them, the formula -b/a provides a shortcut to directly calculate their sum.
Formula Explained
- -b: The negation of the coefficient of the x term.
- a: The coefficient of the x2 term.
According to the provided YouTube video titled "Sum of Solutions for a Quadratic (SAT Math Formula 18/23)", the sum of the solutions to a quadratic equation can be found using the formula -b/a. This method offers a more direct approach compared to solving for each solution individually and then adding them together.
