Find the possible values of x when x^2+8x+15=0

In order to find the value of x we can first factorise the equation. To factorise a quadratic we put it in the form:(x+a)(x+b)=0When multiplying out this general term we get:x^2 + bx + ax + ab = 0This can be simplified to :x^2 + (a+b)x + ab = 0 Therefore we know that we need to find two integers that add to 8 and multiply to 15 First we find the integers that can multiply to 15: 1x15=153x5=15We can see that out of these two possibilities of integer pairs to be used in the factorisation, 3 and 5 add to give 8. Therefore : a + b = 8          ab=15a=3 b=5(x+3)(x+5)=0Therefore x+3=0 or x+5=0This rearranges to give x=-3 or x=-5

CB
Answered by Clare B. Maths tutor

4141 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve these simultaneous equations: 7x+3y=84, 2x+2y=32


Solve the following simultaneous equations 3x+y=11 and 2x+y=8


Rationalise the denominator of 14 / 2 + root3


How can we calculate the sinus of 120°?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning