How do I solve a quadratic equation: x^2-5x+6=0

When solving a quadratic equation, you have two options. Take the general form ax^2+bx+c=0Method 1: Solution by FactorisingWhen the numbers involved look fairly simple, look for a way to factorise the quadratic. This will look like (x+y)(x+z)=0. Then you know that either the former or the latter bracket is equal to 0, and you can get your two solutions. A handy tip for solving these is that the product of y and z will be c, and that the sum of y and z will be b. If you look for two numbers that add to make -5, and times to make 6, your values of y and z have to be -2 and -3, and hence the solutions 2 and 3.Method 2: Solution by Quadratic FormulaIf you're stuck with method one, or the numbers look more complicated, use the quadratic formula. Based on the general form above, the quadratic formula gives solutions as x=(-b+SQR(b^2-4ac))/2a and x=(-b-SQR(b^2-4ac))/2a. This formula will always give you the solutions, so is a good one to remember if you're stuck!

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Answered by Naomi C. Maths tutor

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