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How to solve x^2+bx+c=0 when b and c are negative by factoring?

User NeaGaze
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1 Answer

1 vote
Answer:

The "x² + bx + c = 0" ; is treated as:

"x² + (-b)x + (-c) = 0 " ;

or, put simply:
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" x² − bx − c = 0 ;

in which: b = - (insert number);
and "c" = - (insert number);
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Then, the expression on the "left-hand side" of the equation is "factored"; and set equal to "0" .
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Note of interest: This is done even if "factoring" cannot be done; and/or if one wishes to proceed using the "quadratic equation formula" to solve for "x".
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Hope this helps!
User Jmgomez
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