How do I solve a quadratic equation?

In a quadratic equation the highest power is 2. This means that we are looking for up to 2 answers. The first thing we are going to try to do is factorise the equation. We draw two sets of brackets side by side. In each bracket, we will have x +/- some number. We need to work out what those numbers should be. (Shows example equation) In this example the number next to the x term is 5 and the number out here on its own is 6. We need to find two numbers which multiply to together to make 6 and also add together to make 5. Can you think of any? (Once answer is found or given) So now we write x+2 in the first bracket and x+3 in the second bracket. See how this whole equation is equal to 0? That means that the answers to the equation have to be something + 2 = 0 and something + 3 = 0. So what would the two answers be?(Once answer is found or given) To check that you are right replace the Xs with each answer to see if you get zero.

LW
Answered by Leszek W. Maths tutor

3053 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A plane travels at a speed of 213 miles per hour. Work out an estimate for the number of seconds the plane takes to travel 1 mile.


Given the area of the pool is 63m^2, what is the value of x?


Prove that the square of an odd number is always 1 more than a multiple of 4


Factorise and find the solutions of the equation 6x^2 + 4x -10 = 0


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