Factorise x^2 + 5x + 6

Firstly, look at the number in front of the x term. This is 5Then look at the number at the end without an x term. This is 6.What 2 numbers would add to make 5, and multiply to make 6?? + ? = 5 ? x ?=6This would be 2 and 3Using these two numbers, we can split the term 5x into 2x and 3xx^2 + 2x + 3x + 6Then look at the first two terms. What do they have in common? They both have an x. Take out the x so: x (x + 2)Then look at the last two terms. What do they have in common? They both contain multiples of 3. Take out the 3 so: 3 (x +2)Putting the equation together: x (x + 2) + 3 (x + 2)You know you will have factorised correctly if the expression in the brackets are the sameTo finish off: (x+3)(x+2) You can double check by multiplying out the brackets and seeing if you reach the expression you started with

RM
Answered by Ravneet M. Maths tutor

3323 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

a x 10^4 + a x 10^2 = 24 240 where a is a number. Work out a x 10^4 - a x10^2 Give your answer in standard form.


Anouk, Beth and Carlin share £48 between them. Beth gets 3/8 of the money. Anouk and Carlin share the remaining money between them, by the ratio 3:2. How much money does Carlin get?


A is the point with coordinates (5, 9) B is the point with coordinates (d, 15). The gradient of the line AB is 3. Work out the value of d.


Solve the following simultaneous equations: x^2 + y^2 = 5, y - 3x = 1.


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