50.6k views
2 votes
How to solve this problem? We just now learned this in algebra, and my teacher didn't explain it quite good.

How to solve this problem? We just now learned this in algebra, and my teacher didn-example-1

1 Answer

2 votes
*Before I begin, I am not sure why there are two different variables, they should both be the same. So, I am just going to use n as the variable

Set the equation up so that it equals zero. To do that, add 15 on both sides of the equation

n² + 8n + 15 = 0

Now, to factor, find 2 numbers that multiply to get 15, but also add up to get 8

The 2 numbers that multiply to get 15 are 3 and 5. 3 and 5 also add up to get 8

Now, put 3 and 5 into 2 sets of parenthesis

(n + 3)(n + 5)

Now, you can set each set of parenthesis equal to zero and solve

n + 3 = 0

Subtract 3 on both sides of the equation

n = -3

Set the other set of parenthesis equal to zero

n + 5 = 0

Subtract 5

n = -5

So, n= -3 and n= -5
User OmerGertel
by
7.9k points