How to solve x² -x -20?
Hey everyone! Yesterday I had a math test and got 90% on it. Definitely happy but one question I couldn't solve even tough I knew how to do it...
Let me explain. Please note that English isn't my first language so I might get some words wrong. Also please note that I'm self-learning all math, so the way I solve or write might not be official.
So let's say you need to put the next problem between brackets.
x² +2x -15
I'd solve it like this.
-15 = 1 • -15, -15 • 1, 3 • -5, -5 • 3, -3 • 5 etc
+2x = -3 + 5
Solution x² +2x -15 = (x -3)(x +5)
So I actually know how to solve it. Now my test yesterday threw a curve ball by not having a number before the second x...
It was like this: x² -x -20
I got totally confused because how do I calculate x from -20 like I did in the example I gave? I couldn't because I need to have a number before the x right?
If anyone could explain this to me I'd be very happy!
Thanks!