Factorise fully 20x^2 - 5

When factorising an expression, you first want to find the highest common factor in each term of the expression. Here, our terms are 20 and 5. The highest common factor here is 5, so we want to take 5 out of the equation first. When we do this, we get 5(4x^2 - 1).
This expression is not yet fully factorised as (4x^2 - 1) can be split into two more brackets because it is a difference of two squares. Both 4 and 1 are square numbers so this can factorise into (2x-1)(2x+1).
Therefore, our final answer is 5(2x-1)(2x+1).

Answered by Maths tutor

9832 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

v^2=u^2 + 2as u=12 a=-3 s = 18 Find v


You are told that the y is proportional to x^2 and that when y=75, x=5. Find a formula for x in terms of y.


Prove that (3n+1)²-(3n-1)² is a multiple of 4 taking into account that n is a positive integer value


Change of subject question. Make 'a' the subject of the formula v = u + at.


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