Solving a Quadratic Equation

[MaeHarris]

Solve the following quadratic equation

^ means squared, Im not used to typing vs handwritten equations.

x^ + (a+b)x + ab = 0

I'm stuck on whether it is 'completing the square", or a factoring using the quadratic formula. Thank you.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Solve the following quadratic equation

^ means squared, Im not used to typing vs handwritten equations.

x^ + (a+b)x + ab = 0

I'm stuck on whether it is 'completing the square", or a factoring using the quadratic formula. Thank you.

You can use either method.

Where are you stuck?

By the way:

x squared is written as x^2 ..... similarly

x cubed is written as x^3

 

[Harry_the_cat]

What do you get if you expand (x+p)(x+q)?

 

[MaeHarris]

What do you get if you expand (x+p)(x+q)?

x^2 + qx + px + pq

You can use either method.

Where are you stuck?

By the way:

x squared is written as x^2 ..... similarly

x cubed is written as x^3

Thank you.

 

[MaeHarris]

You can use either method.

Where are you stuck?

By the way:

x squared is written as x^2 ..... similarly

x cubed is written as x^3

I think I am over thinking this !!!!
(x+a) (x+b) !!!

 

[MaeHarris]

x^2 + qx + px + pq

Thank you.

(x+a) (x+b) !!!

 

[JeffM]

Solve the following quadratic equation

^ means squared, Im not used to typing vs handwritten equations.

x^ + (a+b)x + ab = 0

I'm stuck on whether it is 'completing the square", or a factoring using the quadratic formula. Thank you.

As Subhotosh says you can use either method, but I suspect that it is quicker to use the quadratic formula.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I think I am over thinking this !!!!
(x+a) (x+b) !!!

CORRECT!

x^2 + (a+b) * x + a * b = (x + a) * (x + b)

 

[Steven G]

I think I am over thinking this !!!!
(x+a) (x+b) !!!

You want two numbers that add up to a+b and multiply out to ab. Surely a and b satisfies that!