Solve x^2 = 4(x - 3)^2

First multiply out the bracket.x^2 = 4(x - 3)^2 then becomes x^2 = 4(x^2 - 6x + 9)Expand the right hand side further. x^2 = 4x^2 - 24x + 36Collect like terms. 3x^2 - 24x + 36 = 0The number 3 is a common factor of each coefficient. Divide through by 3.x^2 - 8x + 12 = 0Factorise the equation by looking for two numbers that multiply to create 12 and add to create -8. Consider the factorisation of 12 to find these numbers.Common Factors of 12: (1,12), (2,6), (3,4), (-1,-12), (-2,-6), (-3,-4)-2 x -6 = 12 and -2 + -6 = -8Therefore the equation can be factorised:(x - 2)(x - 6) = 0Either (x - 2) or (x - 6) must be equal to zero. Solve for x by setting each one equal to 0.Therefore, x = 2, 6.

JB
Answered by Jenny B. Maths tutor

3055 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

There are 495 coins in a bottle. 1/3 of the coins are £1 coins. 124 of the coins are 50p coins. The rest of the coins are 20p coins. Work out the total value of the 495 coins


A) Raf, Jasmin and Carlos swim lengths of the pool for charity. Raf swims 30 more lengths than Jasmin. Jasmin swims four times as many lengths as Carlos. Altogether they swim 372 lengths. How many lengths each person swim?


How do you divide two fractions?


Solve the simultaneous equations. 5x + y = 21 and x-3y = 9


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