Find the roots of the following quadratic equation: x^2 +2x -15 =0

The question asks for the roots, this simply means the numbers that could replace x in the equation and the result = 0. There are two ways too do this, firstly either using the Quadratic formula, or my factorising. This equation factors nicely and so we will use method 2 and saw the quadratic formula for more complex equations. You need to make sure the equation is in the form ax^2+ bx + c = 0, and from there your looking for two numbers that add to make b and multiply to make c. In this case 5 and -3. Then when we factoids we get (x+5) (x-3) = 0, meaning our factors are -5 and 3.

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The point A lies on the curve with equation y = x^(1/2). The tangent to this curve at A is parallel to the line 3y-2x=1. Find an equation of this tangent at A. (PP JUNE 2015 AQA)  


Find the shortest distance between the line L: x=1+t, y=1+2t, z=1-t and the point A: (2,3,4)


How do I know which method of diffirentiation to use?


A function is defined parametrically as x = 4 sin(3t), y = 2 cos(3t). Find and simplify d^2 y/dx^2 in terms of t and y.