MathSciDoc: An Archive for Mathematician ∫

This paper introduces a new method of finding the sum and product of roots of quadratic equations.The approach adapts the half-life concept from radioactive decay in Physics and Chemistry. During the derivation of the quadratic formula by completing the square, the step where we add half the coefficient of x to both sides is replaced by the half-life relation 1/2 = ln 2/k, leading to k = 2 ln 2. This substitution produces an auxiliary formula that yields two values x1and x2whose sum equals the Vieta sum.A second relation involving ln 2 then recovers the exact Vieta product. The method, called the Logarithmic Root-Sum-Product Extractor (or Half-Life Quadratic Formula), gives results identical to the conventional method while creating a strong link between mathematics and science.

Quadratic equation, half-life, ln 2, sum of roots, product of roots, completing the square, radioactive decay.