SOLUTION: I emailed you last night but was having computer problems, so thought I would try again. I am having problems decifering the difference between: solve by factoring, solve by comple

Question 32049This question is from textbook College Algebra
: I emailed you last night but was having computer problems, so thought I would try again. I am having problems decifering the difference between: solve by factoring, solve by completing the square, and solve by using the quadratic equation.
1) Using the quadratic equation x squared-4x-5=0, solve by factoring, solve by completing the square, and solve by using the quadratic formula.
Question 2) I don't know how different letters can replace other letters: For the function y=x squared-4x-5, put the function in the form y=a(x-h)squared+k. What is the line of symmetry? Graph the function using the equation in the first part. Explain why it is not necessary to plot points to graph when using y=a(x-h)squared+k.
Do you know where I can find the squared key and square root key? This question is from textbook College Algebra

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y=x^2-4x-5
Factoring: (x-5)(x+1)=0
x=5 or x=-1
Completing the square:
x^2-4x-5=0
(x^2-4x )=5
(x^2-4x+4)=5+4
(x-2)^2=9
Take the square root of both sides to get;
x-2=3 or x-2=-3
x=5 or x=-1
Quadratic Formula:
x^2-4x-5=0
a=1, b=-4, c=-5
x=[-b+-sqrt(b^2-4ac)]/2a
x=[4+-sqrt(16+20)]/2
x=[4+-sqrt(36)]/2
x=[4+-6]/2
x=(10/2)=5 or x=(4-6)/2=-1
Change of Form:
y=x^2-4x-5
y+5=x^2-4x
Complete the square to get:
x^2-4x+4=y+9
(x-2)^2=y+9
y=(x-2)^2-9
Axis of symmetry is x=2
For square rt type sqrt
For square use ^2
Cheers,
Stan H.

RELATED QUESTIONS
I am having problems with... (answered by Alan3354)

I am having problems with this Please try the following: sqrt(162) + sqrt(288) (answered by richwmiller)

I have been having trouble solving theses two problems. (x/3)+ 2 = x / 6 {{{and}}} a+4... (answered by Fombitz)

Anyone willing to help me with two problems in having? These are my last two problems... (answered by Alan3354)

Let's see if you guys can bail me out again tonight with another story problem. I... (answered by Theo)

Hello. I am having problems with some problems. I was able to locate some on your site... (answered by venugopalramana)

I am trying to explain an answer to my son but I am having a hard time rememberng this... (answered by Earlsdon)

I need help with graphing an equation x-2y=6 x+4y=5 I did try but I am having (answered by checkley71)

I need help with graphing an equation x-2y=6 x+4y=5 I did try but I am having (answered by rcmcc)