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

2739 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the nth term in the series: 3, 7, 11, 15, 19


Solve the simultaneous equations: 3x + y = -9, x^2 + 2x - 3 = y


A class of 10 students all complete a maths exam. Their marks are as follows: 67, 82, 48, 36, 55, 95, 19, 49, 62 and 73. Find the mean, median and range.


There are only red , blue and purple counters in a bag. The ratio of the number of red counters to the number of blue counters is 3 : 17. If a counter is taken randomly the probability that it is purple is 0.2 Work out the probability for it to be red.


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