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The equation (x+h)(x+5)=0 has solutions of -5 and 6. What is the value of h.

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

h = -6

Explanation:

To solve this problem, plug in the values of either -5 or 6 into the equation for x. Then, simplify. Let's begin by plugging 6 in.

(6 + h)(6 + 5) = 0

I like to use the acronym FOIL for problems like these: first, outside, inside, last.

To start, multiply the first terms, 6 and 6. The answer is 36.

Next, multiply the outside terms, 6 and 5. The answer is 30.

Then, multiply the inside terms, h and 6. The answer is 6h.

Finally, multiply the last terms, h and 5. The answer is 5h.

Add all the products together.

36 + 30 + 6h + 5h = 11h + 66

The equation becomes 11h + 66 = 0.

Now, subtract 66 from both sides to isolate h.

11h = -66

Then, divide both sides by 11 to further isolate h.

h = -6

You have your final answer, h = -6.

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