Quadratic equation

Algebra Level 2

The roots (in $x$ ) of the quadratic equation $ax^2+bx+c=0$ are $4$ and $-2$ . If $a=1$ , find $a+b+c$ .

1 solution

A Former Brilliant Member
Jun 15, 2017

$x=4$ and $x=-2$

$(x-4)(x+2)=0$

$x^2+2x-4x-8=0$

$x^2-2x-8=0$

Finally,

$a+b+c=1-2-8=$ $\boxed{-9}$

I don't think "simplest form" is a mathematical term / commonly defined.

Perhaps you are thinking of "monic polynomial"? If so, just set a = 1 directly.

Calvin Lin Staff - 3 years, 12 months ago