x^2 - 5x - 12 = 2, solve for x

RHS should always be 0 so start by taking that across.Now we want two numbers, they need to add up to make - 5 and multiply to make -14.Solve for this and we get -7 and +2.Use this information to factorise: (x - 7)(x + 2) = 0One or the other bracket must equal 0 for this to be true, so x must equal 7 or - 2.Then go on to explain quadratic formula for cases where factorisation is not so easy.

PS
Answered by Pratinav S. Maths tutor

3595 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 3x + y = 23 and 4x + 4y = 52


Simplify, leaving your answer as a quadratic: (2x + 3)/(x+4) - (3x - 6) = 4


(x+6) and (x+5) are the length and width, respectively, of a rectangle with area 20. Calculate the width of the rectangle.


FIRSTLY: John has a slice of pizza in the exact shape of an isosceles triangle. 2 sides measure Y + 5 and 1 side measures Y – 2. Write an expression for the total perimeter. SECONDLY: Multiply out the following brackets: (3Y + 8)(3Y + 2)


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning