Standard form

Math

Definition

A conventional way of writing equations. For linear equations, standard form is Ax + By = C where A, B, and C are integers and A is positive. For quadratic equations, it is ax² + bx + c = 0. Standard form makes certain calculations, like finding intercepts, straightforward.

Examples

  • Linear: 3x + 2y = 12 is in standard form
  • Quadratic: x² − 5x + 6 = 0 is in standard form
  • Converting y = 2x − 7 to standard form gives −2x + y = −7, or 2x − y = 7
Key Fact

Linear: Ax + By = C; Quadratic: ax² + bx + c = 0

Related Terms

Slope-intercept form Point-slope form Vertex form X and y intercepts

Study This Concept

Practice standard form with free review games in these units:

Algebra 1 Unit 4: Writing Linear Equations