Question

In solving the equation (x + 1)(x – 2) = 54, Eric stated that the solution would be
x + 1 = 54 => x = 53
or
(x – 2) = 54 => x = 56
However, at least one of these solutions fails to work when substituted back into the original equation. Why is that? Please help Eric to understand better; solve the problem yourself, and explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Eric's reasoning is only valid if the RHS of the equation is equal to 0.
Then if either of the two factors are equal to 0, this makes the whole
expression equal to 0. If the RHS is not equal to 0, then the two factors when
multiplied together have to equal the RHS, not each of the factors individually.
To solve, first multiply the two factors and then subtract the RHS:

(x+1)(x-2) = 54

x^2 - x - 2 = 54

x^2 - x - 56 = 0

The above equation can be factored as:

(x-8)(x+7) = 0

We see from this that the solutions are x = 8 and x = -7

Answer 2

Someone check me please?

Answer 3

That's right. The solutions are x=8 and x=-7. Here is my working out.

(x + 1)(x – 2) = 54
Expand the brackets and make the equation equal to 0.
x^2-x-2=54
x^2-x-56=0
(x+7)(x-8)=0
If:
x+7=0
x=-7

or

x-8=0
x=8

Answer 4

Thanks Chaise!

Answer 5

My pleasure - I was just checking your answer :)