Solve 3x^2 + 6x + 3 = 0

Since there is a common factor of 3 on the the left hand side of the equation, you can take that out as a factor:
3(x^2 + 2x +1) = 0
Then you you can divide both sides by 3:
x^2 + 2x + 1 = 0
Now you need to find two number that add to make 2 and multiply to make 1: (x + ?)(x + ?) = 0 - these two numbers are 1 and 1 so, (x+1)(x+1) = 0
To multiply a two number and get a 0, at least one number must be 0:
(x+1) = 0 or (x+1) = 0
Moving 1 to the other side you are left with x = -1
Now to check:
(-1)^2 + 2(-1) + 1 = 1 - 2 + 1 = 0
Your answer is therefore true!

SG

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I find the equation of a line between two points?


How do I subtract one fraction from another?


The diagram shows a prism. The cross-section of the prism is an isosceles triangle. The lengths of the sides of the triangle are 13 cm, 13 cm and 10 cm. The perpendicular height of the triangle is 12 cm. The length of the prism is 8 cm. Work out the total


Find the coordinates of the turning point of the curve y=x^2+3x+7