Find the solutions to this quadratic equation: 0 = 2x^2 - 5x - 3

First we need to factorise this quadratic. This will be in the form:

0 = (Ax + B)(Cx + D)
You can work this out the values of A, B, C and D by looking at the coefficients in the unfactorised form. For example, you know that A x C = 2 as this is the coefficient of x^2, therefore the only two options for A and C are 1 and 2. You also know that B x D = -3, so you know that B and D must be +/-3 and +/-1. From here you can use trial and error to see with value is which.
0 = (2x + 1)(x - 3)
We know that for this to equal zero, either (2x + 1)=0, or (x-3)=0, so x=-0.5 and x=3

KB
Answered by Kathryn B. Maths tutor

2501 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

f(x)=2x^2 -8 What is the value of x if f(x)=0, x>0


Prove that 12 cos(30°) - 2 tan(60°) can be written as √k where k is an integer, state the value of k.


How do I solve this linear equation? Angles A and B are in a quadrilateral are in ratio 2:3, angle C is 30 degrees more than angle B and angle D is 90 degrees.


A is the point with coordinates (5, 9) B is the point with coordinates (d, 15). The gradient of the line AB is 3. Work out the value of d.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning