How can you factorise quadratics with a an x^2 coefficient higher than one?

If we take an example question such as 20x2 - 130 x = -20020x2 - 130 x = -200 Divide by 10 to simplify2x2 - 13x = -20 Take all of the terms to the left2x2 - 13x +20 = 0 Now use this technique. Multiply a and c to get 40 Then try to find two numbers that multiply to get 40 and add to get b (-13) This would be -8 and -5Now factorise 2x2 -8x -5x +20 = 0 2x (x-4) -5 (x-4) = 0(2x-5) (x-4) =0

VT
Answered by Vahgisha T. Maths tutor

2669 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The area of a square is 49cm^2. The perimeter of this square is equal to the circumference of a circle. Calculate the radius of the circle to 1 decimal place.


Factorise 2b^2 + 6b


Peter is 180cm tall, correct to 2 significant figures. Alice is 150cm tall, correct to 2 significant figures. What is the upper and lower bound of the difference in their heights?


Solve the following pair of simultaneous equations 1)x+3y=11 2)3x+y=9


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