Quadratic Equations Factoring Practice Problems

Master solving quadratic equations by factoring with step-by-step practice problems. Build confidence with guided examples and instant feedback.

๐Ÿ“šWhat You'll Master in This Practice Session
  • Factor quadratic expressions into two binomial terms
  • Apply the zero product property to find equation solutions
  • Solve quadratic equations of the form axยฒ + bx + c = 0
  • Identify when factoring is the most efficient solution method
  • Check solutions by substituting back into original equations
  • Recognize patterns in quadratic expressions for faster factoring

Understanding Solving Quadratic Equations using Factoring

Complete explanation with examples

Solving an equation using the distributive property is related to the need to open the parentheses as the first step to then be able to simplify similar members. When an equation contains one or more pairs of parentheses, we must start by opening them all and then proceed to the next phase.ย 

Below, we provide you with some examples where this method is applied.

2(X+3)=8 2\left(X+3\right)=8

In this equation, we can clearly see some parentheses. To start, we must open them (that is, apply the distributive property) and then we can proceed with the following phases of the exercise.

2X+6=8 2X+6=8

2X=2 2X=2

X=1 X=1

The result of the equation is 1 1 .

Solving equations using the distributive property


Detailed explanation

Practice Solving Quadratic Equations using Factoring

Test your knowledge with 17 quizzes

Solve for X:

\( -\frac{1}{4}(x-2)=3 \)

Examples with solutions for Solving Quadratic Equations using Factoring

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Solve x:

5(x+3)=0 5(x+3)=0

Step-by-Step Solution

We open the parentheses according to the formula:

a(x+b)=ax+ab a(x+b)=ax+ab

5ร—x+5ร—3=0 5\times x+5\times3=0

5x+15=0 5x+15=0

We will move the 15 to the right section and keep the corresponding sign:

5x=โˆ’15 5x=-15

Divide both sections by 5

5x5=โˆ’155 \frac{5x}{5}=\frac{-15}{5}

x=โˆ’3 x=-3

Answer:

โˆ’3 -3

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Solve for x:

2(4โˆ’x)=8 2(4-x)=8

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this equation, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the distributive property to the equation:

    2(4โˆ’x)=2ร—4โˆ’2ร—x=8โˆ’2x 2(4-x) = 2 \times 4 - 2 \times x = 8 - 2x

  • Step 2: Simplify the equation:

    The equation now becomes: 8โˆ’2x=88 - 2x = 8

  • Step 3: Isolate the variable xx by simplifying the equation:

    First, subtract 8 from both sides:
    8โˆ’2xโˆ’8=8โˆ’8 8 - 2x - 8 = 8 - 8
    This simplifies to:
    โˆ’2x=0-2x = 0

  • Step 4: Solve for xx by dividing both sides by -2:

    x=0โˆ’2=0 x = \frac{0}{-2} = 0

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=0x = 0.

Answer:

0

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Solve for x:

7(โˆ’2x+5)=77 7(-2x+5)=77

Step-by-Step Solution

To open parentheses we will use the formula:

a(x+b)=ax+ab a(x+b)=ax+ab

(7ร—โˆ’2x)+(7ร—5)=77 (7\times-2x)+(7\times5)=77

We multiply accordingly

โˆ’14x+35=77 -14x+35=77

We will move the 35 to the right section and change the sign accordingly:

โˆ’14x=77โˆ’35 -14x=77-35

We solve the subtraction exercise on the right side and we will obtain:

โˆ’14x=42 -14x=42

We divide both sections by -14

โˆ’14xโˆ’14=42โˆ’14 \frac{-14x}{-14}=\frac{42}{-14}

x=โˆ’3 x=-3

Answer:

-3

Video Solution
Exercise #4

3x+5(x+4)=0 3x+5(x+4)=0

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the distributive property to the equation.
  • Step 2: Combine like terms.
  • Step 3: Solve for x x .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Distribute the number 5 across the expression inside the parentheses:
3x+5(x+4)=0 3x + 5(x + 4) = 0 becomes 3x+5x+20=0 3x + 5x + 20 = 0 .

Step 2: Combine the like terms:
Combine 3x 3x and 5x 5x to get 8x 8x .
Thus, the equation becomes 8x+20=0 8x + 20 = 0 .

Step 3: Solve for x x :
Subtract 20 from both sides: 8x=โˆ’20 8x = -20 .
Finally, divide both sides by 8: x=โˆ’208 x = \frac{-20}{8} .

Simplify the fraction: x=โˆ’2.5 x = -2.5 .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=โˆ’2.5 x = -2.5 .

Answer:

x=โˆ’2.5 x=-2.5

Video Solution
Exercise #5

8a+2(3aโˆ’7)=0 8a+2(3a-7)=0

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the linear equation 8a+2(3aโˆ’7)=0 8a + 2(3a - 7) = 0 , we'll proceed with the following steps:

Step 1: Apply the Distributive Property.
The equation given is 8a+2(3aโˆ’7)=0 8a + 2(3a - 7) = 0 .
First, distribute the 2 across the terms inside the parenthesis:
2(3aโˆ’7)=2ร—3a+2ร—(โˆ’7)=6aโˆ’14 2(3a - 7) = 2 \times 3a + 2 \times (-7) = 6a - 14 .
By substituting this back into the equation, we have:
8a+6aโˆ’14=0 8a + 6a - 14 = 0 .

Step 2: Combine Like Terms.
Now, combine the terms containing a a :
8a+6a=14a 8a + 6a = 14a .
The equation now becomes:
14aโˆ’14=0 14a - 14 = 0 .

Step 3: Isolate the Variable.
Add 14 to both sides of the equation to isolate terms with a a :
14aโˆ’14+14=0+14 14a - 14 + 14 = 0 + 14 , which simplifies to:
14a=14 14a = 14 .
Next, divide both sides by 14 to solve for a a :
a=1414=1 a = \frac{14}{14} = 1 .

Therefore, the solution to the equation is a=1 a = 1 .

Answer:

a=1 a=1

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is factoring in quadratic equations?

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Factoring quadratic equations means breaking down a quadratic expression (axยฒ + bx + c) into the product of two simpler expressions, usually binomials. This method allows you to find the roots or solutions by setting each factor equal to zero.

When should I use factoring instead of other methods?

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Use factoring when the quadratic expression can be easily broken down into integer factors. It's often the fastest method for equations like xยฒ - 5x + 6 = 0, but may not work for all quadratics.

How do I know if a quadratic can be factored?

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A quadratic axยฒ + bx + c can be factored if you can find two numbers that multiply to give 'ac' and add to give 'b'. If the discriminant (bยฒ - 4ac) is a perfect square, the quadratic will factor nicely.

What is the zero product property?

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The zero product property states that if the product of two factors equals zero, then at least one of the factors must equal zero. For example, if (x - 2)(x + 3) = 0, then either x - 2 = 0 or x + 3 = 0.

What are the steps to solve quadratic equations by factoring?

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Follow these steps: 1) Move all terms to one side so the equation equals zero, 2) Factor the quadratic expression, 3) Apply the zero product property by setting each factor equal to zero, 4) Solve each resulting linear equation, 5) Check your solutions in the original equation.

Can all quadratic equations be solved by factoring?

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No, not all quadratic equations can be factored using integers. Some require the quadratic formula or completing the square. However, many textbook problems are designed to factor nicely.

How do I factor when the leading coefficient is not 1?

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When a โ‰  1 in axยฒ + bx + c, look for two numbers that multiply to 'ac' and add to 'b'. Then use grouping or trial and error to find factors like (px + q)(rx + s) where pr = a and qs = c.

What should I do if my factored solutions don't work?

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Double-check your factoring by expanding the factors back to the original expression. Also verify you moved all terms to one side correctly and that your arithmetic is accurate when solving each factor equation.

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