Key learning points

1. The graph of a quadratic equation can show if there are solutions when the equation is equal to zero.
2. A quadratic might be the product of two binomial expressions.
3. If you find the two binomial expressions then you can find the values for x
4. The product is equal to zero, meaning that one of the two binomial expressions must equal zero.
5. You can set each expression to zero to find the value for x

Keywords

• Factorise - To factorise is to express a term as the product of its factors.

• Solution (equality) - A solution to an equality with one variable is a value for the variable which, when substituted, maintains the equality between the expressions.

• Parabola - A parabola is a curve where any point on the curve is an equal distance from: a fixed point (the focus ), and a fixed straight line (the directrix ).

Common misconception