i was told to use this equation to figure it out. It does not work x=−b±√b2−4ac2a
Forget that!!!.
Our galaxy- The Milky Way- is estimated by astronomers to be about 100,000 light-years from one end to another.
You wouldn't use the quadratic formula to do that. Technically, the Milky Way grows every day, so there is no 100% exact measurement. I would go with guest's estimation of 100,000 light-years or so.