Solve the following to find x. x^2 +3x -10 =0

This is an example of a quadratic equation. One way of solving it wwould be to use the quadratic formula. You can subsitute the values of a, b and c into the formula where a=1 b=3 and c=-10. This will give 2 values of x.

Another way which is much faster is to start by factorising the left hand side.

This is done by finding two numbers that add up to make 3 and mutliply together to make -10.

In this case those numbers are 5 and -2.

So a factorised version of x2+3x -10=0 is

(x-2)((x+5)=0

In order to find x we need to find the values where each set of brackets is equal to zero. This is because anytthing multiplied by zero is equal t0 zero. So if the value of the inside of one bracket is equal to zero the whole left hand side is equal to zero.

Therefore x=-5 and x=2

NC
Answered by Nathan C. Maths tutor

10346 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Fully simplify: (y^2 x y^5) / y^3


A ladder of length 3.5m rests against a vertical wall and makes an angle of 40* with the floor. How far up the wall does top of the ladder reach?


Solve the following simultaneous equations to give a value for both x and y: 3x+3y=9 and 2x+3y=5


Change of subject question. Make 'a' the subject of the formula v = u + at.


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