Solve the quadratic equation: x^2 - 2x - 15 = 0

We need to find numbers that multiply together to give -15. This could be -1 and 15, 1 and -15, -3 and 5, 3 and -5. The numbers we need must add up to -2 as well (from -2x term). Therefore our set must be 3 and -5.

So we get (x+3)(x-5)=0 with x=-3 and x=5

SK

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I solve the simultaneous equations 2x - y = 3 and 3x + y = 9


What is the equation for calculating the surface area of a cylinder?


Prove algebraically that 0.256565656... can be written as 127/495


£X was invested for 5 years, earning compound interest of 2% per year. After 5 years the total value of the investment was £11,040.81. How do I calculate the value of the invested amount £X?