Question

How do you solve `a^2 + 2a - 48 = 0`?

Answer 1

This trinomial is factorable, so we can solve by factoring.

Explanation:

To factor a trinomial of the form `y = ax^2 + bx + c, a = 1`, we must find two numbers that multiply to c and that add to b.

Two numbers that multiply to -48 and that add to 2 are +8 and -6.

`(a + 8)(a - 6) = 0`

`a = -8 and 6`

Hopefully this helps.