x^2 - 5x - 12 = 2, solve for x

RHS should always be 0 so start by taking that across.Now we want two numbers, they need to add up to make - 5 and multiply to make -14.Solve for this and we get -7 and +2.Use this information to factorise: (x - 7)(x + 2) = 0One or the other bracket must equal 0 for this to be true, so x must equal 7 or - 2.Then go on to explain quadratic formula for cases where factorisation is not so easy.

PS
Answered by Pratinav S. Maths tutor

3444 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Expand (2x+4)(x-3)


A ladder 6.8m long is leaning against a wall, the foot of the ladder is 1.5m from the wall, find the height that the ladder reaches up the wall.


Renee buys 5 kg of sweets to sell. She pays £10 for the sweets. Renee puts all the sweets into bags. She puts 250 g of sweets into each bag. She sells each bag of sweets for 65p. Renee sells all the bags of sweets. Work out her percentage profit.


Solve the simultaneous equations: y=2x+2, y=x^2 - 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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning