For the quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \), the condition for equal roots is that the discriminant \( \Delta \) must be zero. The discriminant for the quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \) is given by:
\[
\Delta = b^2 - 4ac
\]
Step 1: Set the discriminant equal to zero for equal roots.
For equal roots, the discriminant must be zero, so:
\[
b^2 - 4ac = 0
\]
Step 2: Solve for \( c \).
Rearranging the equation:
\[
b^2 = 4ac
\]
Now, solving for \( c \):
\[
c = \frac{b^2}{4a}
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the value of \( c \) is \( \frac{b^2}{4a} \).