Quadratic equations

[robert551069]

At grammar school we were taught to solve quadratic equations and find the two values of x.
I couldn't see the point then, and in my dotage, still can't.

[robert551069]

I,and all the class had no problems whatsoever in solving quadratic equations. We didn't bother to ask the form master what was the purpose of them as he used to answer almost every question with the reply "it trains your mind"

[johnny37]

I was just going to say that! BTW it wasnt just grammar schools.

[d9f1c7]

http://plus.maths.org...es-quadratic-equation
http://plus.maths.org...atic-equation-part-ii

The equation itself was discovered as a result of an agricultural problem.

[factor-fiction]

I think the same point could be made about all sorts of things that are taught in school. As it happens I continued with Maths after grammar school and frequently used things such as quadratic equations which other students may never have used again. There were lots of things I never used again directly as far as I know, such as being able to label parts of the heart, describe the process of photosynthesis, describe the various parts of a castle or analysing a Shakespeare play- but maybe others found it useful and ended up working in a related field or developed a love for the theatre.

At a grammar school you would have covered solving quadratic equations. The majority of students though do not solve quadratics at secondary school as it's not covered in the Foundation Maths GCSE. Many of those taking Higher GCSE Maths will go on to study Maths at A level and will need to be able to solve equations.

I think the point about 'training your mind' is valid. The ability to analyse problems and use a range of strategies to solve them is an important life skill. You probably used these skills throughout your life.

[mike11111]

When we used to query the usefulness of learning Latin and Greek we were told that it would help us with spelling and understanding of the English language. I have found this to be true.

[bibblebub]

My first job after school required me to find solutions to quintic equations.

[cathfromsaron]

we plotted our answers on a graph too!