Solve the equation x^2 + 8x = -15

We first notice it's a quadratic equation in x so we want to make one side of the equation equal to 0.By adding 15 to both sides we get : x2 + 8x + 15 = 0We then look for two numbers which multiply to 15 and add to make 8 to help us factorise the LHS . The numbers are 3 and 5 so the equation becomes: (x+3)(x+5) = 0Therefore either x + 3 = 0 so x1 = -3or x + 5 = 0 so x2 = -5

GL
Answered by Georgina L. Maths tutor

3547 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the inverse of: f(x) = (2x + 3)/(x - 4)


If 4x + 3y = 4 and x + 2y = 2 what are the values of x and y ?


I'm struggling with quadratic equations


Solve the simultaneous equations 'x-2y=3' and 'x^2+2y^2=27'


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