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
Answered by Kendall F. Maths tutor

2497 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find x in the following equation: 4x + 8 -2x = 10


Solve 9x-4=7(x+2)


Solve the simultaneous equations: 3x+2y=22, x=y-1


Issy goes to buy some fruit. She has been told by one friend that 2 apples and 3 bananas costs £3.80. She has been told by another friend that 5 apples and a banana costs £3.65. what are the individual costs of an apple and a banana?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning