Factorise and solve X^2+8X+15=0
For any equation in the form ax^2+bx+c and a=1, the first step is to find a set of numbers. In this case, they must add up to 8 (b) and multiply to 15 (c).
With trial and error, it can be found that these are +3 and +5.
Thus, factorise the equation to get (X+3)(X+5)=0.
We know from this that X+3=0 or X+5=0.
Hence, we can solve both equations to get X=-3 and X=-5.
JA
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