Using the Quadratic Formula...just a matter of plugging numbers into a formula?

The funny thing is, it is just plugging in numbers however lots of people trip up when using it.

1. Write down the formula

2. Write down what a, b and c is

3. Write down the formula with the substituted values

4. Calculate

I think where you have gone wrong is that you haven't put negatives in brackets. All negative numbers should be in brackets. A point to note as well:

Lets say b = -5

It isn't (--5) and it isn't --(5). It is -(-5)

However, lets say b = 5

It isn't (-5), it is -(5) because it is negative b, not negative 5 (I know that sounds pedantic but trust me)
x = 1.44 or x = -2.77 correct???

EDIT: it is very easy to go wrong here. However if you do those steps then you will be less likely to make a mistake.

Thank you very much for this!

I see what you mean by the negative signs - very pedantic, yes, but I'll remember it for next time. This is very helpful actually, so thanks a lot.

:-)