Question

How do you solve `x^2 - 13x = -42`?

Answer 1

Solve y = x^2 - 13x + 42 = 0

Ans: 6 and 7

Explanation:

Find 2 numbers (real roots) knowing sum (-b = 13) and product (42).
Factor pairs of (42) --> (3, 14)(6, 7). This sum (6 + 7 = 13 = -b). Therefor, the 2 real roots are: 6 and 7.
NOTE. Solving by the new Transforming Method (Socratic Search) is simple and fast. No factoring by grouping, no solving binomials.