DFM Key skill:

• #378: Solve a quadratic equation to get exact solutions.

Task Commentary

Students typically have sufficient experience of solving quadratic equations from GCSE to do so successfully in most circumstances. However, some may have gaps in knowledge that will cause significant difficulties at A level.

Additionally, many students may not be proficient at solving quadratic equations directly using their calculator. Setting this task for independent study means that it is unlikely that lesson time would need to be used to cover this topic.

Note: Example 4.3 demonstrates how to solve quadratic equations on the Casio CG-50.
There is also a link to a video demonstrating solving quadratic equations using the Casio Classwiz, but it does not solve the examples directly contained within the video. This does not normally cause Casio Classwiz users difficulties, but it is something to be aware of.