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+8x+15=0
We need to find two values that add together to make 8 and multiply together to make 15.
5×3=155+3=8
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x+5)(x+3)=0.
b)
We can begin factorising by finding factors of −28 that add together to give 3.
−4×7=−28−4+7=3
So the factorised form of the equation is
(x−4)(x+7)=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.