quadratic equation in
The quadratic formula
for solving the quadratic equation
(1) |
with real coefficients , , is valid as well for all complex values of these coefficients (), when the square root is determined as is presented in the parent entry (http://planetmath.org/TakingSquareRootAlgebraically).
Proof. Multiplying (1) by and adding to both sides gives an equivalent (http://planetmath.org/Equivalent3) equation
or
or furthermore
Taking square root algebraically yields
which implies the quadratic formula.
Note. A quadratic formula is meaningful besides also in other fields with characteristic if one can find the needed “square root” (this may require a field extension).