Quadratic Formula Calculator

Solve ax² + bx + c = 0 — both roots and the discriminant, step by step.

Root x₁
2.0000
  1. Discriminant (b² − 4ac)1.0000
  2. Root x₁2.0000
  3. Root x₂1.0000
Inputs used
  • a (x² coefficient)1
  • b (x coefficient)-3
  • c (constant)2

About this calculator

The quadratic formula solves any equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0: x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) ÷ 2a. The two signs of the ± give the two roots.

The discriminant, b² − 4ac, tells you what to expect before solving: positive means two distinct real roots, zero means one repeated root (both answers below will match), and negative means the roots are complex — this calculator reports an error in that case, since there's no real solution to show.

The coefficient a can't be zero (that's a linear equation, not a quadratic — solve −c/b directly). Sign mistakes on b and c are the most common source of wrong answers: match the equation form exactly.

Results are informational only — not financial, medical or legal advice.