Here is a quadratic equation x^2 + 5x = 14
x^2 + 5x - 14 = 0 - Subtract 14 from both sides
(x + 7)(x - 2) = 0 - Factor
x + 7 = 0 x - 2 = 0 - Set each factor equal to 0
x = -7 x = 2 - solve each piece
If the constant is easy to find factors of then use the factoring method
If the constant is difficult and you have a graphing calculator, then graph
If no graphing calculator then use the quadratic formula