Factorise x^2-x-12

To factorise this equation we want to get 2 brackets. We are looking for 2 numbers which multiply to make -12 and add to make -1. So, let's see some factors of -12: -12 = (-1) x 12; (-2) x 6; (-3) x 4; (-4) x 3; here we can see that -4 & 3 add to make -1 and since they are also factors of -12, this pair fills the criteria. So, the factorisation of x2-x-12 = (x-4)(x+3).To check if you factorised the equation correctly, we can expand the brackets to get: x2-4x+3x-12 which = x2-x-12 so we know our values of -4 and 3 are definitely correct.

Answered by Fizza A. Maths tutor

17980 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The perimeter of a right-angled triangle is 72 cm. The lengths of its sides are in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5 Work out the area of the triangle.


Solve the simultaneous equations: a) 2x + y = 18, b) x - y = 6


A cylindrical beaker has a height of 16 cm and a diameter at its bottom of 10 cm. What is its volume? Give your answer to 2 decimal places.


Solve the following simultaneous equation: 1) 2x=y-5, 2) 2y^2=4x^2+4x-15


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences