Quadratic equations of the form
x2+bx+c=0
can be factorised to create an equation of the form
(x+m)(x+n)=0.
When we expand a factorised quadratic expression we obtain
(x+m)(x+n)=x2+(m+n)x+(m×n).
To factorise an equation of the form x2+bx+c, we need to find two numbers which add together to make b, and multiply together to make c.
a)
x2+9x+20=0
We need to find two values that add together to make 9 and multiply together to make 20.
5×4=205+4=9
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x+5)(x+4)=0.
b)
We can begin factorising by finding factors of −35 that add together to give 2.
−5×7=−35−5+7=2
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x−5)(x+7)=0.
c)
When factorising the quadratic expression
x2−25=0
we need to find two values that add together to make 0 and multiply together to make −25.
5×−5=−255−5=0
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x+5)(x−5)=0.