Question

What is a solution to the equation (x-2)(x+5)=18

Answer 1

x= -7 x=3

Explanation:

(x-2)(x+5)=18

FOIL

x^2 +5x -2x-10 = 18

Subtract 18 from each side

x^2 +5x -2x-10-18 = 18-18

x^2 +3x -28 =0

Factor

What 2 numbers multiply to -28 and add to 3

7*-4 = -28

7-4 =3

(x+7) (x-3) =0

Using the zero product property

x+7 =0 x-3 =0

x= -7 x=3