Solve this equation: x²-x-6=0

This equation can be solved by factorisation. Start off with brackets : (x )(x ) =0. We need two numbers that multiply to give 6 and add/subtract to give 1. Start off with 1 and 6. They multiply to give 6 but don't add/subtract to give 1. Next two numbers could be 2 and 3. They multiply to give 6 and also add/subtract to give 1.Our equation now looks like this: (x 2)(x 3)=0 We now need to work out the signs by expanding out the brackets in our head. x²-3x+2x-6=0 is what we get when we substitute in +2 and -3. Therefore (x+2)(x-3)=0 . If x+2=0, x=-2. If x-3=0, x=3. You can check this by substituting each number into the original equation.

ED
Answered by Eadaoin D. Maths tutor

3424 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Express 56 as the product of its prime factors


simplify (2q+4)/(p(p+1)) -q/p


A particle is moving along a straight line. The displacement of the particle from O at time t seconds is s metres where s = 2t^3 – 12t^2 + 7t. Find an expression for the velocity of the particle at time t seconds.


There are m fruits in a basket. 3 of the fruits are kiwis; the rest are lemons. The probability of picking two kiwis in a row (without replacement) is 0.3. Show m^2 - m - 20 = 0.


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