How do I factorise x^2 - 5x + 6

You want to express this expression in the form (x+a)(x+b) to do this you want to find two numbers that add to make -5 (the coefficient of x) and multiply to make 6. Let's first focus on numbers that multiply to make 6. There are four possible pairs of whole number factors.1 and 6.2 and 3.-1 and -6.-2 and -3.We want a pair that add together to make -5. Looking at these numbers we can see that -2 + -3 = -5 which is what we want.So factorised the equation is (x-2)(x-3)

SW

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the volume of a right angled triangular prism with an angle of 28 degrees, hypotenuse of length 10 cm, and projected length of 12.5 cm. Give your answer in cm^3, to three significant figures.


ABD is a triangle, C lies on BD. AD=BD=√2/2 and CD=√3/3. Find the EXACT area of ABC. (all measurements are in cm)


How do I revise for my Maths GCSE exam?


f(x) = 3x - 2a || g(x) = 2ax + 1 || fg(x) = 2x + b/2