Solve the equation x^2-9x+20=0

First, we need to factorise the equation on the left hand side, this can be done by finding two numbers that add together to make the 'b' coefficient (-9) and multiply to make the 'c' coefficient (20).

This will give -5 and -4. Therefore, (x-5)(x-4)=0. So, either (x-5)=0, or (x-4)=0 Giving x=5 or x=4 as the final answers.

JB
Answered by Joseph B. Maths tutor

29623 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is it that when I am asked to factorise 3x^2-13x-10, I am not able to cancel two of the x's so that the answer is 3x-13-10?


If a rectangle has length (x-4), width (x-5) and area 12 then what is the value of x?


Olly drove 56 km from A to B. He then drives 61 km from B to C. Olly’s average speed from A to B was 70 km/h. Olly took 75 minutes to drive from B to C. Work out Olly’s average speed for his total drive from A to C.


What if my equation doesn't factorise?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning