How do you solve 3x^2 = -9x by factoring?

1 Answer

The answer is:
x = 0 or x = - 3

Explanation:

Let's do this in steps

First, move all instances of "x" to one side of the equation.
3x^2 = - 9x
3x^2 + 9x = 0

Next, factor out common coefficients 3.
(3) (x^2 + 3x) = 0

By factoring (as you requested), factor out x from the parentheses.
(3x) (x + 3) = 0

At this step, you will be able to find both answers (as this is a quadratic equation).
When (3x) = 0,
x = 0/3 -> Divide both sides by 3 to get x on the left
x = 0
When (x + 3) = 0
x = - 3 -> Minus both sides by 3 to get x on the left