Why do I get a negative answer?

Math gives both roots; discard the one that does not fit the situation, like negative time.

Is it used in video games?

Yes, for trajectories and collision detection.

Can I see the parabola?

The calculator above draws the graph with the vertex.

What Is the Quadratic Formula Used For? Real Uses

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): The quadratic formula finds the x-values where a quadratic expression equals zero, which are the points where a parabola crosses the x-axis. That answers real questions: when a thrown ball hits the ground (height = 0), which side length gives a given area, or at what price a business breaks even when profit follows a curve. In physics, finance and engineering it appears constantly.

Do it now, right here

Enter the coefficients of ax² + bx + c = 0. Use a minus sign for negative numbers; fractions as decimals.

a = b = c =

Step by step

Write the situation as an equation equal to zero.
Identify a, b and c.
Solve and keep only the answers that make sense (for example positive times).

At a glance

Situation	Equation	Answer
Ball thrown up at 20 m/s	−5t² + 20t = 0	Lands at t = 4 s
Rectangle x by x + 3 with area 40	x² + 3x − 40 = 0	x = 5
Profit curve	−x² + 60x − 500 = 0	Break even at 10 and 50 units

What is the quadratic formula used for in real life?

Do it now, right here

Step by step

Step by step

At a glance

Related questions

Why do I get a negative answer?

Is it used in video games?

Can I see the parabola?

More questions: quadratic formula calculator