How do I solve quadratic equations by factorization?

Consider the equation x^2+5x+6=0. In order to factorise this equation you first need to think of what numbers sum to make 5 (the coefficient of x) and whose product equals 6 (the number not multiplied by x). If you can't think of any pair of numbers which give those results, then the equation is unfactorizable, but still possible to solve. In this case, the equation can be factorised and the numbers are 2 and 3. Now the equation is factorised to (x+2)(x+3)=0, which can now be solved as either (x+2) or (x+3) must equal to 0. So, this gives two possible answers: x=-3 and x=-2.

RF
Answered by Ricardo F. Maths tutor

2628 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

4x^2 + 8x + 3 can be written in the form a(x + b)^2 + c where a, b and c are whole numbers. Work out the values of a, b and c.


In the isosceles triangle ABC, AB=AC and angle B=(3x +32)degrees and angle C=(87-2X)degrees


Solve the equations y = x + 1 and y = x^2 - 3x + 4 simultaneously.


Solve the simultaneous equations, make sure to show clear algebraic working: 3x + 5y = 14, 4x + 3y = 4


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences