Question

Suppose you want to solve the quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0 by an algorithm.

quadratic_solve (a, b, c)

-- inputs:?

-- outputs:?

You intend to use the formula and you are prepared to handle only real number roots. Write a suitable specification.

x = `(-b ± sqrt(b^2) - 4ac)/(2a)`

Answer 1

1. Quadratic – solve (a, b, c)
2. – – inputs: b² – 4 ac > = 0 where a, b, c are real numbers, a ≠ 0
3. – – outputs: and x² are real numbers such that a(x₁)² + bx₁ + c = 0 and a(x₂)² + bx₂ + c = 0