How do you solve # x^2-5x-6=0#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-04-30T06:21:24

#x=color(red)(-1), color(blue)6#

#x^2-5x-6=0#

Find two numbers that when added equal #-5# and when multiplied equal #-6#. The numbers #-6# and #1# meet the criteria.

Rewrite the equation in factored form.

#(x+1)(x-6)=0#

Set each factor equal to zero and solve for #x#.

#color(red)((x+1)=0#

#color(red)(x=-1#

#color(blue)((x-6)=0)#

#color(red)(x=6#

#x=color(red)(-1), color(blue)6#