Set the equation equal to 0
Factor the quadratic, if possible
Use the zero product property
If factoring is difficult, use the quadratic formula
Identify a, b, and c in ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Substitute a, b, and c into x = (-b ± √(b^2 – 4ac)) / (2a)
Simplify the discriminant b^2 – 4ac
Solve for both values of x
Check your solutions in the original equation
If needed, complete the square
Move the constant term to the other side
Add the square of half the x-coefficient to both sides
Rewrite as a perfect square trinomial
Take the square root of both sides
Solve for x