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

3170 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

AQA GCSE higher specimen paper 1: Question 28


Factorise and solve x^2 - 8x + 15 = 0


2017 Edexcel Summer 2017 Q18) 16^1/5 × 2^x = 8^3/4 Work out the exact value of x


How do you know when to use sin, cos and tan?


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