Solve the quadratic equation x^2+5x+6=0

There are two approaches which can be taken when solving this equation. The first is using the quadratic equation. By comparing the coefficients of the example to the general quadratic equation, a(x^2)+b(x)+c=0, we can set a=1, b=5 and c=6. We will now use the quadratic formula,x=(-b±√(b^2-4ac))/2a, and the values of a, b and c. Therefore, x==(-5±√(5^2-4x1x6))/2x1 We get that x=3 or x=2. The second approach is to use trial and error to find a pair of numbers which sum to 5 and whose product is 6, let us call these numbers d and e. Therefore, we need to find d and e such that b=d+e=5 and c=de=6. If these are satisfied, x=d or x=e. After trialling the possible pairs, 3 and 2 are a suitable pair, hence x=3 or x=2.

AM
Answered by Anna M. Maths tutor

28340 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations to find x and y: 3x + 5y = 10 , 5x + 4y = 8


A class has 30 students. The mean height of the 14 boys is 1.52m. The mean height of all the students is 1.48m. Work out the mean height of the girls.


Solve the following equation 3(2x -1) = 4(x - 2)


Express 60 as a product of its prime factors.


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