How do you factorise the algebraic expression x^2 +5x+ 6?

Factorising is all about writing algebraic expressions using brackets, to separate x terms.(x + ... )(x +... ) when multiplying out the brackets there will be an x2 term, an x term and a numerical term. Breaking down the expression is the key to factorising it correctly.Looking at our example we need to find two numbers that will MULTIPLY to equal 6 and that will SUM to equal 5. Looking at our options for multiplication first:2 x 36 x 1 Now we have our options for multiplication we must pick that the two numbers SUM to make 5. Our only pair of numbers that satisfy this criteria are 2 and 3.Hence we can now substitute these into our brackets to get (x + 2)(x + 3) Our expression is factorised correctly.

JC
Answered by Jessica C. Maths tutor

3579 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you work out the surface area of a cylinder?


Marcin buys 7 rulers and 15 crayons for £7. A ruler costs 12p more than a crayon. Find the cost of one crayon.


How do you solve a simultaneous equation?


Expand the following expression: (2x+3)(x+1)


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