1. The problem is to solve question 12 in a shorter way. Since the original question is not provided, let's assume it involves solving a quadratic equation for demonstration. 2. The general quadratic equation is $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$. 3. The formula to find the roots is the quadratic formula: $$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$. 4. To solve quickly, calculate the discriminant $\Delta = b^2 - 4ac$. 5. If $\Delta > 0$, two real roots: $$x_1 = \frac{-b + \sqrt{\Delta}}{2a}, \quad x_2 = \frac{-b - \sqrt{\Delta}}{2a}$$. 6. If $\Delta = 0$, one real root: $$x = \frac{-b}{2a}$$. 7. If $\Delta < 0$, no real roots. 8. This method avoids factoring or completing the square, making it shorter and direct. 9. Apply the formula directly to the coefficients of your quadratic equation to get the roots efficiently.