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.
4×5=204+5=9
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x+4)(x+5)=0.
b)
We can begin factorising by finding factors of −70 that add together to give 3.
−7×10=−70−7+10=3
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x−7)(x+10)=0.
c)
When factorising the quadratic expression
x2−16=0
we need to find two values that add together to make 0 and multiply together to make −16.
4×−4=−164−4=0
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x+4)(x−4)=0.