Factorise x^2+3x-4=0

We will set the answer layout first by forming 2 brackets. (x+a)(x+b)=0We then look at the signs used, particularly negative signs. In this question, there is a minus sign before the 4.This means that one of the brackets will contain a negative sign.The values a and b can be found when they fulfil 2 criteria. When a and b are multiplied it should give the result of the number without a coefficient (in this case -4) e.g 2 and -2 or 1 and -4. Furthermore, when a and b are added together, it should result in the value with the coefficient (in this case 3) e.g 5 and -2 or 1 and -4.Since 1 and -4 both fulfil the two criteria, they are the answer.(x+1)*(x-4)=0.