Factorise x^2+6x+8

Firstly, as it's highest term is x2, it must only have two factor brackets, so the answer has to look like (x + a) * (x + b).Then, to make 6x, we need the a and b term to be either 5 and 1, 4 and 2, or 3 and 3, because they add up to make 6. If we look at ab, the only option that makes 8 (in the original question) is 42. So our factorisation must be(x + 4) * (x + 2).To check it, we do x * x = x2 , 4x + 2x = 6x, and 4*2=8!

TM
Answered by Tom M. Maths tutor

15576 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Prove algebraically that (2n + 1) to the power of 2 - (2n-1) is an even number


How can you calculate the distance between 2 points in a grid if they're not on the same horizontal or vertical line?


A straight line passes through the points (-2, 4) and (1, 10). What is (a) the gradient of the line, (b) the y-intercept of the line and (c) the equation of the line?


f(x) = 2x + c, g(x) = cx + 5, fg(x) = 6x + d. c and d are constants. Work out the value of d. 3 marks.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning