SOLUTION: I need help trying to figure this one out. Please. x2 – 4x – 5 = 0 Solve by factoring? Could you please help me figure this one out?

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: I need help trying to figure this one out. Please. x2 – 4x – 5 = 0 Solve by factoring? Could you please help me figure this one out?      Log On

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Question 62773: I need help trying to figure this one out. Please.
x2 – 4x – 5 = 0 Solve by factoring? Could you please help me figure this one out?

Answer by uma(370) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x^2 - 4x - 5 = 0
Here we need to find two numbers whose sum is -4 and whose product is -5.
Clearly the numbers are -5 and 1.
==> x^2 + x - 5x - 5 = 0 [splitting the middle term]
==> x(x+1) - 5(x+1) = 0 [taking out the common factor]
==> (x+1)(x-5) = 0
==> x + 1 = 0 or x - 5 = 0
==> x = -1 or x = 5

Good luck!!!