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

5623 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Simultaneously solve the equations 3x+2y=36 and 5x+4y=64


Why do I have to study maths?


How do I solve simultaneous equations?


Anouk, Beth and Carlin share £48 between them. Beth gets 3/8 of the money. Anouk and Carlin share the remaining money between them, by the ratio 3:2. How much money does Carlin get?


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