Solve by factorisation: 2(x^2) - 5x - 12 = 0

First step is to multiply coefficient of first term (2) with the constant (-12) to enable us to split the middle term.2*(-12) = -24, therefore we need to find two numbers that multiply to -24, and add to give the coefficient of the second term (-5). These two numbers are -8 and 3 as these numbers add to give -5 and multiply to give -24. Therefore we can split the middle term: 2x2 - 8x + 3x - 12 = 0By factorising:2x(x - 4) + 3(x - 4) = 0, (x - 4)(2x + 3) = 0.If (x - 4) = 0, x = 4.If (2x + 3) = 0, x = - 1.5.Therefore, solutions for x for this quadratic equation are x = 4, -1.5.

EC
Answered by Edward C. Maths tutor

5045 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A gym has 275 members. 40% are bronze members. 28% are silver members. The rest are gold members. Work out the number of gold members.


How do you find the maximum and minimum value of a quadratic function with no use of calculus?


How do you find the gradient of a linear line just by looking at the graph?


Solve this simultaneous equation: 3x + y = 10, x + y = 4


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