How do you factorise a simple quadratic equation?

Simple quadratic equations e.g. x2+5x + 6 = 0, can be solved by evaluating the second and third terms. Quadratic equations can be represented within two sets of brackets (x + a)(x + b). Using this template, we can identify that the second term +5(x) is equivalent to a+b and that the third term +6 is equivalent to ab. With trial and error, or simple substitution, we can solve these as simultaneous equations: a+b = 5 ab = 6to assess that x2+5x + 6 = 0 can be factorised into (x+3)(x+2).

KF

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are surds and why are they used?


I need help understanding simultaneous equations with more than two variables, can you please help?


The straight line L1 passes through the points with coordinates (4, 6) and (12, 2) . The straight line L2 passes through the origin and has a gradient of -3. The lines L1 and L2 intersect at point P. Find the coordinates of P.


4x+2y=22, (y/2)+(x/4)=2.5