Michigan Algebra I Sept. 2012

In general, graphing provides a good way of approximating solutions to quadratic equations as long as the graph has x-intercepts. When a quadratic equation is written in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, the solutions will be the value(s) of x when y = 0. Another name for these solutions are x-intercepts or roots. A graphing calculator can be used to estimate these solutions. Remember, quadratic equations can have two, one, or no real solutions. Therefore, the graphs will have two, one, or no x -intercepts.