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
Answered by Samuel W. Maths tutor

4801 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 7x - 2y = 22 and 5x + 3y = 29


Expand (x-3)(x+7)


Liv and Laura win a lottery of £350,000 and decide to split their winnings according to the ratio 3:4. Work out how much each person receives.


2(y+3) = 10. What is y?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning