How do you break down a wordy question (e.g. Aled has three concrete slabs. Two slabs square, of length x, & the third rectangular of dimensions 1m & x+1m. Show 2x^2 +x-6=0 & Solve this)

Start off by taking a breather. Let's break this down into the components of the problem, in this case the three slabs (a,b,c)Aa=lh=xx=x2Ab=Aa=x2Ac=lh=1(1+x)=1+xSince total area=7, 7=x2+x2+x+10=2x2+x-6let's write out the brackets (_x+a)(_x+b)=2x2+x-6So, the factors of 2 (the first two things we multiply out) are 1 &2, so it becomes(2x+b)(1x+a)=0The factors of 6 are 3 & 2 and one of them's -ve since the 6 is negative. Since the value of the x-coefficient is 1, the difference between 2a+1b=+1The only way we can do this is if the factors are b=-3 and a=+2so 2x-3=0 or x+2=0. Since length is positive, x=1.5

GM
Answered by Gwynfor M. Maths tutor

2700 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Expand and simplify: (2x – 3y)(5x + 2y)


In a sale a bag is reduced by 30%. The bag is now £31.50. Work out the original price of the bag.


How do you write 36 as a product of its prime factors?


A cone has radius 6cm and height 5cm. Work out its volume in terms of pi. (Formula for the volume of a cone is V=(1/3)pi(r)^2h)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences