How do I factorise x^2 - 5x + 6

You want to express this expression in the form (x+a)(x+b) to do this you want to find two numbers that add to make -5 (the coefficient of x) and multiply to make 6. Let's first focus on numbers that multiply to make 6. There are four possible pairs of whole number factors.1 and 6.2 and 3.-1 and -6.-2 and -3.We want a pair that add together to make -5. Looking at these numbers we can see that -2 + -3 = -5 which is what we want.So factorised the equation is (x-2)(x-3)

SW
Answered by Samuel W. Maths tutor

4566 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations x^2+ y^2 = 29 and y–x = 3


Find the gradient of the line on which the points (1,3) and (3,4) lie and find the y-coordinate of the line at x = 7.


3x+2y=12 ; 5x+3y=19


How do I know when to use Sine, Cosine and Tangent


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