How do you factorise a simple quadratic equation?

Simple quadratic equations e.g. x2+5x + 6 = 0, can be solved by evaluating the second and third terms. Quadratic equations can be represented within two sets of brackets (x + a)(x + b). Using this template, we can identify that the second term +5(x) is equivalent to a+b and that the third term +6 is equivalent to ab. With trial and error, or simple substitution, we can solve these as simultaneous equations: a+b = 5 ab = 6to assess that x2+5x + 6 = 0 can be factorised into (x+3)(x+2).

KF
Answered by Kendall F. Maths tutor

2780 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do we expand (3y-2)^2?


Solve 10x - 7 = 4x + 5


There are 5 blue counters and 5 red. x takes 2 counters out of the bag without replacing them. What is the probability x took 2 red counters.


Write 16× 8^2x as a power of 2 in terms of x.


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