Solve x^2 - 4x - 5
Use this page when you searched for a specific quadratic. It shows one worked route before you decide whether to test your own version in the solver tool.
The specific expression or equation this page is built around.
x^2 - 4x - 5 = 0
This quadratic factorises cleanly.
The goal is to rewrite it as two brackets whose product is 0.
One structured route through this exact problem.
- 1Look for two numbers that multiply to -5 and add to -4.
- 2Those numbers are -5 and 1.
- 3So the quadratic factorises to (x - 5)(x + 1) = 0.
- 4Set each bracket equal to 0.
- 5The solutions are x = 5 and x = -1.
Use these quick checks before relying on the route.
- Substitute x = 5 back into the original quadratic and confirm it gives 0.
- Substitute x = -1 back into the original quadratic and confirm it gives 0.
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