What are the solutions of x2 + 5x − 24 = 0? Show all work for full credit.

Question

anonymous · Answer

use the quadratic equation on your 2nd order polynomial that is in the form of$$ax^2 + bx + c $$

finding both x values, using the plus or minus sign:
$$x = \frac{ -b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac} }{ 2a }$$

hero · Answer

Or you could just factor

$$x^2 + 5x - 24 = 0$$$$x^2 +8x - 3x -3(8) = 0$$$$x(x + 8) - 3(x + 8) = 0$$$$(x + 8)(x - 3) = 0$$Use zero product property to finish solving.

anonymous · Answer

use Euler271's suggestion as a last resort when you can't factor it out.  The problem I have with it is that I can be careless sometimes and leave out a "-" or "+" and it will give a wrong solution.  boths solutions are good...I just prefer to factor it out first then use the quadratic equation if I can't solve it.