How do you factor a quadratic equation?
Mathematics
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Answer
To factor ax² + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to a·c and add to b.
Example: Factor x² + 5x + 6
- Need two numbers that multiply to 6 and add to 5
- Those numbers are 2 and 3
- So x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3)
Special patterns:
- Difference of squares: a² − b² = (a+b)(a−b)
- Perfect square: a² + 2ab + b² = (a+b)²
If you can't find factors easily, use the quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b²−4ac)) / 2a
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