110k views
0 votes
When solving for x, what is x squared plus 15 equals -8x

User AllInOne
by
5.1k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

x = - 5, x = - 3

Explanation:

Given

x² + 15 = - 8x ( add 8x to both sides )

x² + 8x + 15 = 0 ← in standard form

Consider the factors of the constant term (+ 15) which sum to give the coefficient of the x- term (+ 8)

The factors are 5 and 3, since

5 × 3 = 15 and 5 + 3= 8, thus

(x + 5)(x + 3) = 0 ← in factored form

Equate each factor to zero and solve for x

x + 5 = 0 ⇒ x = - 5

x + 3 = 0 ⇒ x = - 3

User Ekcrisp
by
4.5k points