Factorise and solve x^2 - 8x + 15 = 0
The question gives you a hint on how to go about this question - Factorise!!
1) Factorise the left hand side. Find the two numbers which will add to give -8 and multiply to give 15. In this case, -3 and -5.
(x-3)(x-5)=0
2) Each set of brackets can equal 0. If a multiplication is equal to 0, then at least one term must be 0 itself.
x-3=0, x-5=0
3) Solve the equations.
x=3 or 5
4) CHECK!! Plug your values of x into the original equation to make sure you are right - an easy way to stop making silly mistakes!
When x=3, 32-(8x3)+15 = 9-24+15=0 (correct)
When x=5, 52-(8x5)+15 = 25-40+15=0 (correct)
