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Maths Dictionary · SS 1

Roots (of an equation)

Also called: solutions

Simple meaning

The values of x that make an equation true. On a graph, they are where the curve crosses the x-axis.

Example

The roots of (x − 1)(x − 4) = 0 are 1 and 4.

See it

From the Quadratic Equations by Factorisation lesson. Try moving things around.

−23

y = x2 − x − 6

x2 − x − 6 = (x + 2)(x − 3)

Roots: x = −2 or x = 3

Check: −2 + 3 = 1 (that's −b) and −2 × 3 = −6 (that's c)

b (the x number)−1
c (the number)−6