If x^2-5x+6=0, solve for x.

Since x^2-5x+6=0 is a quadratic we need to factorize before solvingAll quadratics fall under this formula ax^2+bx+c=0 so in this case a=1, b=-5 and c=6Drawing the very common ac b table we get: ac|b 6 |-5So we ask ourselves, what two numbers multiply to give 6 but add to give -5? With little thought the answer is -2 and -3So: x^2-5x+6=0 x^2-2x-3x+6=0 Now factorize the left two terms and the right two terms of the left hand sidex(x-2)-3(x-2)=0 Now factorize the left hand side entirely(x-3)(x-2)=0In order for a product of two numbers to equal zero, at least one of them must be zero.Therefore x-3=0 or x-2=0Therefore x=3 or x=2

ME
Answered by Matthew E. Maths tutor

3251 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you solve quadratic inequalities?


How do I simplify the equation 4x + 5x -2 - 2x + 7?


Show that (x + 1)(x + 3)(x + 5) can be written in the form ax^3 + bx^2 + c^x + d where a, b, c and d are positive integers.


Find the median, mean, and mode of the following set of data: 55, 43, 62, 91, 2, 43, 34, 16, 16.


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