SOLUTION: X^2-10x-3=0 how do can I figure out which method to best use when asked to solve it by factoring, completing the square, or by quadratic formula? May you please give examples also

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Question 364888: X^2-10x-3=0
how do can I figure out which method to best use when asked to solve it by factoring, completing the square, or by quadratic formula? May you please give examples also? your time is greatly appreciated :)
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E2-10x-3=0
When you factor, you look for factors of 3 that add to 10.
(1,3) don't add to ten so you can't take that route.
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Quadratic formula always works.
Completing the square always works too but can get involved too depending on the coefficients.
Factor if it's readily apparent what the factors are.
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%28x%5E2-10x%2B25%29-3-25=0
%28x-5%29%5E2=28
x-5=0+%2B-+sqrt%2828%29
highlight%28x=5+%2B-+2%2Asqrt%287%29%29