Question

can someone explain w^2 +15W -250 = 0

Answer 1

explain what, how to factor it?

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

how to factor?

how to find the value of w?

Answer 4

yes, need to find value of W

Answer 5

factoring is the way to go here
we need two numbers that multiply to -250 and add to 15
can you think of what those two numbers must be?

Answer 6

I was trying to follow the steps of x=(-b±√(b^2-4ac))/2a but then got lost. I got as far as x=(-15±√(15-4(2)(-250) ))/2(2) but don't know if this is correct way to figure it out.

Answer 7

oh, so i need to use F.O.I.L. and noth the other way?

Answer 8

no, just try to factor it
the quadratic formula is not necessary here
read my last post

Answer 9

\[w ^{2}+15w-250=0\]\[(w+25)(w-10)=0\]

Answer 10

duh, i feel so silly...

Answer 11

I think i'm confusing myself or thinking too hard

Answer 12

then equate to zero;

w+25=0 w-10=0
w=-25 w=10

Answer 13

thank you jerwyn, but I was hoping to have the asker figure it out :/
@yv173 it happens to me all the time. Look for the easiest way always. It saves much stress.

Answer 14

Thank you both very much, you just saved me a night of having to stay up for hours trying to figure it out.

Answer 15

if the given equation is computable using factoring method, go for it.

but if not, you can proceed to quadratic formula. .

Answer 16

ok, thanks now I understand

Answer 17

thanks turing test for the advice.

Answer 18

and in case you give up on factoring try wolfram alpha:
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=factor+w%5E2%2B15w%E2%88%92250
only in emergencies though, don't rely on it. The human mind is superior!

Answer 19

wow, great advice, thanks again!!!