Mathematics — Quadratic Equations

Exam board: CCEA  |  Back to subjects

Board-Specific Note

Northern Ireland board; content broadly mirrors the other boards.

Learning Objectives

• Solve by factorising
• Complete the square
• Use the quadratic formula

Key Points

• Factorising when a=1
• Completing the square (x + p)² + q
• Quadratic formula x = (−b ± √(b²−4ac)) / 2a

Lesson Plan (50 minutes)

1. Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of quadratic equations with quick questions.
2. Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
3. Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
4. Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: Solve x² - 5x + 6 = 0. Solution: x = 2 or x = 3
5. Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
6. Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.

Homework

• Solve 2x² + 7x + 3 = 0
• Complete the square for x² + 4x - 5
• Use the quadratic formula for 3x² - x - 2 = 0

Assessment

Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.