How to factorise x^2 + 6x +5

Firstly you check to see if there is a coefficient to the x2 term, in this example there isn't so we know that both the brackets will have a single x in, (x +  )(x +  ). We also know both the signs in the brackets are positive because all the terms in the initial question are positive. Now all we need to do is find two numbers that multiply together to get 5 and add together to get 6, here the obvious answer is 5 and 1. 5x1=5 as wanted and 5+1=6 as wanted. Therefore the final answer will be; x2 + 6x + 5 = (x+5)(x+1). You can also check your answer by multiplying out the brackets which will get you x2 + 5x + 1x + 5 = x2 + 6x + 5 as wanted.

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Answered by Fred E. Maths tutor

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