Some of the steps in the derivation of the quadratic formula are shown. Step 4: StartFraction negative 4 a c + b squared Over 4 a EndFraction = a ( x + StartFraction b Over 2 a EndFraction) squared Step 5: (StartFraction 1 Over a EndFraction) StartFraction b squared minus 4 a c Over 4 a EndFraction = (StartFraction 1 Over a EndFraction) a (x + StartFraction b Over 2 a EndFraction) squared Step 6: StartFraction b squared minus 4 a c Over 4 a squared EndFraction = ( x + StartFraction b Over 2 a EndFraction) squared Step 7: StartFraction plus or minus StartRoot b squared minus 4 a c EndRoot Over 2 a EndFraction = x + StartFraction b Over 2 a EndFraction Which best explains why the expression plus or minus StartRoot b squared minus 4 a c EndRoot