Question

Solve the following quadratic equation by factoring: x^2 - 7x = 18.

a) x = -2, x = 9
b) x = 2, x = -9
c) x = -5, x = 12
d) x = 5, x = -12

Answer 1

To solve the quadratic equation x^2 - 7x = 18 by factoring, the equation can be rearranged and then the two numbers that multiply to -18 and add up to -7 need to be found. The solutions are x = -9 and x = 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve the quadratic equation x^2 - 7x = 18 by factoring, we need to rearrange the equation so that one side equals zero. This gives us the equation x^2 - 7x - 18 = 0. Now, we need to find two numbers that multiply to -18 and add up to -7. The numbers are -9 and 2. Therefore, the solutions to the equation are x = -9 and x = 2, so the correct answer is option b) x = 2, x = -9.