GCSE quadratic equations revision
Use this page as a quick GCSE quadratic revision guide before trying your own equation in the app.
What this topic means and what to look for first.
At GCSE level, quadratics are often solved by factorising, but some questions also use the formula or completing the square.
A good first check is whether the quadratic factorises cleanly into two brackets.
One reliable route through the topic.
- 1Write the quadratic in the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0.
- 2Check for a common factor.
- 3Try factorising first if the numbers are simple.
- 4If factorising is awkward, switch to another method.
- 5Check both answers by substitution if needed.
See the method in action.
x^2 + 6x + 8 = 0
- Factorise to (x + 2)(x + 4) = 0.
- Set each bracket equal to 0.
- So x = -2 or x = -4.
x^2 - 9 = 0
- Factorise as (x - 3)(x + 3) = 0.
- So x = 3 or x = -3.
Things that commonly send the method off track.
- Stopping after finding only one solution.
- Forgetting to rearrange the quadratic so one side is 0 before solving.
Want to test your own problem next?
Use the public page first, then create a free account if you want to try the solver beta on a typed question or photo.
A free account is the current follow-up route for returning to the solver beta and future guide updates as the public library grows.
Want to try a similar problem yourself?
Create a free account if you want to use the solver beta after reading the guide.
A free account is the current follow-up route for returning to the solver beta and future guide updates as the public library grows.
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Short answers worth checking.
Factorise first when the numbers are small and the bracket pair is easy to spot.
Substitute them back into the original quadratic and check that each gives 0.
Continue with the next closely related topic.
Use the public site structure first, then switch into the solver tool only if you need a direct test.
CureMath uses artificial intelligence to suggest how a maths problem could potentially be solved. AI can make mistakes.
Check important answers independently before relying on them.