Investigation: Solving Quadratics by Factoring

There are different ways to solve quadratic equations. While graphs and tables can be used to find
approximate solutions, algebraic methods can lead to more exact solutions.

The algebraic methods used to solve quadratics can vary and often depend on the structure of the equation.
As you work on the problems in this investigation, look for answers to these questions:

How can factoring a quadratic expression help in solving a quadratic equation?

1. Given the quadratic 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 determine whether the statements below are true or not. Use
algebraic reasoning to support your answers.

a. 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = −6 when x = 0 or when x = -1.

b. 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 24 when x = 5 or when x = -4.

c. 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = −5.25 when x = -1.5

A solution to an equation is the value of x that makes the equation a true statement. In the previous activity
x = 5 was a solution to the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 24 because 52 + 5 − 6 = 24 is a true statement. However,
x = -4 was not a solution because (−4)2 + (−4) − 6 ≠ 24.

2. Consider the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 0

a. Guess a value you think could be a solution to the equation and determine if it is or not.
b. If you were not successful with your first guess, try another value. If you were successful, try
and find the second solution.
c. Were you successful in finding a solution? Why or why not?

Guessing values and checking for solutions is not very efficient. Let’s explore how rewriting the equation into
factored form can help find solutions. The factored form of 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 is (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2).

3. Consider the equation (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0

a. What is the value of each expression when x = 5?
b. What is the product of the two expressions when x = 5?
c. Is x = 5 a solution to the equation (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0? Why or why not?

d. What is the value of each expression when x = -3?

e. What is the product of the two expressions when x = -3?
f. Is x = -3 a solution to the equation (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0? Why or why not?

g. What is the value of each expression when x = 2?

h. What is the product of the two expressions when x = 2?
i. Is x = 2 a solution to the equation (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0? Why or why not?

Developed by K. McPherson 1
4. You should have determined that the solutions to (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 are x = -3 or x = 2. The process
of solving the equation is below. Match the reasoning that justifies each step.

Step Reasoning

(1) 𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 0

(2) (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0

(3) (𝑥 + 3) = 0 or (𝑥 − 2) = 0

(4) 𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = 2

The product of the two factors is zero so Rewrite the expression into factored form.
one of the factors must be zero.

Solve the equations for x. This is the given equation.

5. The following quadratics are in factored form. Apply similar reasoning used in step 3 of activity 4 to
solve the following equations.
a. (𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 − 8) = 0 b. (2𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 6) = 0

c. 3(𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 + 1) = 0 d. 5𝑥(𝑥 − 8) = 0

6. The following quadratics are in standard form. Apply similar reasoning used in steps 2 & 3 of activity 4
to solve the following equations.
a. 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 4 = 0 b. 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12 = 0

c. 6𝑥 2 − 42𝑥 + 72 = 0 d. 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 14 = 0

Developed by K. McPherson 2
Being able to solve quadratics by factoring depends on the Zero Product Property. Below are three different
ways to describe this property:

Whenever the product of two quantities is zero then one of the quantities must also be zero.

If (a)(b) = 0 then a = 0 or b = 0.

The only way to multiply two numbers and get zero is if one of the numbers is zero.

7. Not all equations are equal to zero. The following quadratics are in various forms. Rewrite the equation
so it is equal to zero before factoring and solving.
a. 𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 30 = 2 b. 2𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 10 = 3𝑥 + 2

c. 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 = 8 d. 2𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 4 = 𝑥 2

8. Connections: There are similarities between x-intercepts, solutions, and zeroes.

 The x-intercepts of a quadratic function
 The solutions to a quadratic equation in the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
 The zeroes of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐.

Use the graph of 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4) to identify each of the following.

a. Identify the x-intercepts

𝑦 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4)

b. Identify the solutions to the equation

(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4) = 0

c. Identify the zeroes of the function

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4)

Developed by K. McPherson 3
Summarize the Mathematics
a) What does it mean to be a solution of a quadratic equation?

b) Describe how factoring helps in solving a quadratic equation algebraically?

c) What is the Zero Product Property and why is it important in solving by factoring?

Developed by K. McPherson 4