Question

Solve the following quadratic equation by factoring. If needed, write your answer as a fraction reduced to lowest terms

Answer 1

The given equation is

`y^2-5y-36=0`

For solving it we will factorize the number 36 as 9 x 4 which on subtraction gives 5 and on multiplication gives 36.

Then, we have

`\begin{gathered} y^2-(9-4)y-36=0 \\ y^2-9y+4y-36=0 \\ y(y-9)+4(y-9)=0 \\ (y-9)(y+4)=0 \\ y-9=0\text{ and y+4=0} \\ y=p\text{ and y=-4} \end{gathered}`

Hence, the values of y are 9 and -4.