solve x^2 - x - 6 = 0

y = x2 - x - 6It is first important to realise that we are able to find the values of x when y = 0, that is where the parabola crosses the x axis. We can visually represent this and our solutions to the equation should match with this representationfirstly factorise the expression --> multiples of 6 include (2 and 3) and (6 and 1)Next see whether addition or subtraction of either pair forms the coefficient of x --> -1indeed 2 - 3 = -1so we write (x - 3)(x + 2) = 0then separate the brackets and put both equal to 0x - 3 = 0 and x + 2 = 0rearrange the equations to find our two values of x --> 3 and -2

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Answered by Harry R. Maths tutor

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