Find the roots for the quadratic equation x^(2)+6x+5=0

For this question I would consider different methods for finding the roots of quadratics and remind the student that an exam could ask for a particular method to be used (as on one of the recent GCSE maths papers for AQA).factorising: I would state inorder to find the values we use for factorising. We need two numbers that both multiply to give 5 (the product), while they also can be added together to give 6 (the sum). Here 5 and 1 satisfy the conditions, so the factorised equation looks like (x+5)(x+1)=0. The only numbers x can be to satisfy the equation are both -5 and -1.quadratic formula: Next, I would write the quadratic formula, x=(-b+-sqrt(b^(2)-4ac))/(2*a). Where a=1, b=6, c=5. The resulting answers will be -5 and -1.Completing the Square: Finally I would walk through the most complicated way of solving a quadratic (to students). x^(2)+6x+5=0 <=> (x+3)^(2)-(3)^(2)+5=0 <=> (x+3)^(2)=4 <=> x+3=+-sqrt(4) <=> x=-3+-2. Therefore, the roots are x=-5 and x=-1

HL
Answered by Harry L. Maths tutor

4994 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

5 students are in a maths class and 10 students are in a physics class. The mean mark of the maths class is 90 and the mean mark of the physics class is 85. Work out the mean mark of both classes.


Find the roots for the quadratic equation x^2 +2x-3 = 0


Solve the equation: x^2+x-12=0


a)By completing the square, prove the quadratic formula starting from ax^2+bx+c=0, b) hence, or otherwise solve 3x^2 + 7x -2= 9, to 3s.f.


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