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How to solve a quadratic equation on a GDC (graphical display calculator). This explanation uses the TI-82/83/84 calculators.

1. Press Y= to select the equation entry menu.
2. Enter your quadratic equation followed by ENTER.
3. You could press press GRAPH but it is better to press ZOOM then press 6 or select ZStandard.
4. You will see a display of your graph. Press ZOOM again then press 1 or select ZBox
5. Once back on the graph display, use the cursor keys and press ENTER at the top left and bottom right to create a zoom box

By repeated zooming in and use of the TRACE function you can obtain an accurate estimate of where the curve crosses the x-axis.
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Glossary

equation

A statement that two mathematical expressions are equal.

function

A rule that connects one value in one set with one and only one value in another set.

gdc

graphic display calculator

graph

A diagram showing a relationship between two variables.
The diagram shows a vertical y axis and a horizontal x axis.

quadratic

A mathematical expression of the 2nd degree; having a x² term but no higher one.

solve

To find the answer or solution to a problem.

union

The union of two sets A and B is the set containing all the elements of A and B.

Full Glossary List

This question appears in the following syllabi:

SyllabusModuleSectionTopicExam Year
AP Calculus AB (USA)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
AP Calculus BC (USA)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
AQA A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
AQA AS Maths 2017Pure MathsAlgebraSolving with Discriminants-
AQA AS/A2 Maths 2017Pure MathsAlgebraSolving with Discriminants-
CBSE X (India)AlgebraPolynomialsZeros-
CCEA A-Level (NI)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
CIE A-Level (UK)P1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
Edexcel A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
Edexcel AS Maths 2017Pure MathsQuadraticsSolving with Discriminants-
Edexcel AS/A2 Maths 2017Pure MathsQuadraticsSolving with Discriminants-
I.B. Higher Level2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
I.B. Standard Level2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
Methods (UK)M1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
I.B. (MSSL)2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
OCR A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
OCR AS Maths 2017Pure MathsEquations and QuadraticsSolving with Discriminants-
OCR MEI AS Maths 2017Pure MathsQuadraticsSolving with Discriminants-
OCR-MEI A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
Pre-U A-Level (UK)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
Scottish (Highers + Advanced)HM2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
Scottish HighersM2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
Universal (all site questions)AAlgebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-
WJEC A-Level (Wales)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic solving-