Question

For the equation x2 + 2x − 8 = 0, what is the sum of the solutions?

Answer 1

-2

Explanation:

x^2 + 2x − 8 = 0

What 2 numbers multiply to -8 and add to 2

4*-2 = -8

4-2 = 2

(x+4) (x-2)=0

Using the zero product property

x+4 =0 x-2=0

x+4-4 =0-4 x-2+2=0+2

x = -4 x=2

We want the sum of the solutions

-4+2 = -2