Find the values of x when x^2-6=x

We need to factorise this equation to solve it.

The first step for factorisation is to make the equation equal to zero. We can do this by subtracting x from both sides to get:

x²-x-6=0

The coefficent in front of the x term is -1. We need to find two numbers that sum to -1 and mulitply together to make -6.

The two numbers that do this are -3 and 2. We use these in brackets as follows:

(x-3)(x+2)=0

Now to find the two possible values of x we need to solve the equation in each of the brackets individually. 

ie. solve x-3=0 and x+2=0

So our values for x are -2 and 3.

ME
Answered by Max E. Maths tutor

7303 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following simultaneous equations: 2x + y = 17, x - y = 4


How do I solve a quadratic equation like x^2 - 2x - 35 = 0 without using a calculator?


Solve for x: x^2 + 6x + 8 = 0


Solve 2x^2+ 7x -8 = 0, giving your answer to 2 decimal places.


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