How do you solve the quadratic X^2 - 8X + 15 = 0 ?

First factorise (using a "farmer's field", will draw this on whiteboard):=> (X-3)(X-5) = 0Hence using the zero rule (one of the brackets must be equal to 0 if the product is 0),either X-3 = 0 OR X-5=0=> X=3 or X=5Check by substituting back into the original equation:(3)^2 - 8(3) + 15 = 09 - 24 + 15 = 0-15 + 15 = 0 (correct)and(5)^2 - 8(5) +15 = 025 - 40 +15 = 0-15 + 15 = 0 (correct).

SJ

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

(x+2)/(x-3) - (x-1)/(x+3) can be written in the form (ax+b)/(x^2-9). Work out the value of a and the value of b.


What are simultaneous equations and how do I solve them?


The equation of line A is (x)^2 + 11x + 12 = y - 4, while the equation of line B is x - 6 = y + 2. Find the co-ordinate(s) of the point at which lines A and B intersect.


Claire drove from Manchester to London, it took her 4 hours at an average speed of 85 km/h. Matt drove from Manchester to London, it took him 5 hours. Assuming he took the same route as Claire and took no breaks, work out his average speed in km/h.