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Maths•SHS Core Mathematics

Quadratic equations

Senior High 5 questions
AI-drafted from platform data — specialist review scheduledBy DigiTransact Mastermind editorial teamLast updated
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What quadratic equations means

You solve equations where the highest power of x is 2. This helps you find unknown values quickly in school tests and exam questions.

What you will practise

  • Factorising simple quadratic expressions
  • Using the formula to find roots
  • Finding the discriminant from a, b and c
  • Checking answers by substitution

Before you start

You should already be able to work with indices, simplify algebraic expressions and solve basic linear equations. You also need confidence with multiplying brackets and rearranging equations.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Solve x squared minus 5x plus 6 equals 0.

  • x = 2 or x = 3
  • x = -2 or x = -3
  • x = 1 or x = 6
  • x = -1 or x = -6
Answer: x = 2 or x = 3

Working: Factorise into (x - 2)(x - 3) = 0, so x = 2 or x = 3.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Forgetting to write the equation in the form ax² + bx + c = 0 before solving.
  • Missing one factor pair when factorising, so the roots come out wrong.
  • Using the wrong signs in the formula, especially for b and the square root.
  • Stopping after finding the discriminant and not using it to judge the roots.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES SHS syllabusWASSCE

This topic normally appears in SHS 1 to SHS 3 algebra work, after learners have met basic equations and factorisation. It supports the type of problem-solving often set in WASSCE questions on quadratic roots and related checks.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.

Related skills

Other SHS Core Mathematics skills in Maths, at the same point in the course.

Other Maths topics

Counting with PicturesPicture Addition & SubtractionEarly NumeracyNumber BasicsUniversity MathematicsAlgebra

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Exams that assess quadratic equations

Senior High work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Maths topics that appear on it.

WASSCEWASSCE practice questionsFree WASSCE practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.GESGES practice questionsFree GES practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.BECEBECE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the BECE practice page.

How this page was produced

This text was drafted with AI assistance from the questions and topics already stored on the platform. A subject-specialist review is scheduled but has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim it here.

Written by
DigiTransact Mastermind editorial team
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5 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.

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