Factorise x² + 2x - 8

Since an x² is produced, we know that the factorised version will be (x+a)(x+b). To find a and b we need to consider the relationship between 2 and -8. It is going to be factorised into two brackets, due to the x², so we need to break the 2 down into 2 numbers that will add to give 2 and multiply together to give -8. The 8 is negative so one of these numbers must also be negative. These 2 numbers must be 4 and -2. Then substitude these numbers in to be a and b so the equation factorised is (x+4)(x-2)

HB
Answered by Hannah B. Maths tutor

32191 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the equation 5(2c -3) = 19


Find the values of x for the equation: x^2 - 8x = 105


Multiply out and simplify (x+7)(x-3)


60 students were taking a Maths, Physics or Chemistry exam. 38 of the students were male. 11 of the 32 students who were taking the Maths exam were female. 8 males were taking the Physics exam. 12 students were taking the Chemistry exam. One of the fe


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences