x = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{-12}{2 \cdot 2} = \frac{12}{4} = 3

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:28:25 +0000

# Solving Quadratic Equations: Why the Vertex Formula Matters — How x = –b/(2a) Helps Find the Maximum (or Minimum) Value When studying quadratic equations, one of the most powerful tools in algebra is the vertex formula: x = –b/(2a). This formula gives the x-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola represented by a quadratic equation in standard form:
y = ax² + bx + c Understanding this formula helps students and math learners alike find the peak (maximum) or trough (minimum) of a quadratic function efficiently. In this article, we’ll break down how x = –b/(2a) works, walk through a practical example like x = –(–12)/(2·2) = 12/4 = 3, and explain why this concept is essential in both math and real-world applications. ---