Factorise and solve the quadratic : 3x^2 + 15x +18 = 0

First we look to see if there is a common factor in the equation. In this case there is a common factor of 3, therefore we can take 3 out as a factor. 3(x2 +5x +6) = 0
The inside of the bracket is now a standard recognisable quadratic which is simple to factorise. Remember to factorise a quadratic, it is split into two brackets (x+A)(x+B), where A and B are integers. A and B here must add together to make 5, and multiply together to make 6. In this example you can see that A is 2 and B is 3. (or vice versa, it doesn't matter). For the equation to be true then either (x+3)=0 or (x+2)=0 because the factor of 3 on the outside of the bracket cannot equal 0. So the solution is x= -3 or x= -2.

HW
Answered by Holly W. Maths tutor

3980 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Divide £700 in the ratio 5:3:2


find the root or roots of the following equation: 2x^2 + 18x + 36


(2x-5)(3x+2)(x+7) - Expand the brackets.


Solve the following simultaneous equations: (1) 2y + x = 8, (2) 1 + y = 2x


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