factorise x^2+10x+21

firstly the largest power is x^2 so when factorising we know that both brackets must involve an x plus or minus a number.

next we look at the 21 and we need two numbers that multiply together to get this number, the two sets of numbers that multiply to get this is 1 and 21 and 3 and 7.

then we take these two sets of numbers and we look at the 10x this means the numbers must add/subtract to give ten, this means the answer must use the 3 and 7 as they add to give 10

therefore our answer is (x+3)(x+7)

RC
Answered by Ross C. Maths tutor

20959 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you expand brackets?


Find the points that the graph "y = x^2 -4x -14" touches the x-axis


work out 20% of 14000


Rearrange to make x the subject of the equation: 4(3x+y) = 12-2y


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