SOLUTION: ax^2+(a+1)x+(a-1) = 0 I need to solve this equation for x. I've been trying to factor it to no avail... Honestly I don't even know where to start. I tried factoring out an x, on

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equation Customizable Word Problems -> SOLUTION: ax^2+(a+1)x+(a-1) = 0 I need to solve this equation for x. I've been trying to factor it to no avail... Honestly I don't even know where to start. I tried factoring out an x, on      Log On


   

Question 912647: ax^2+(a+1)x+(a-1) = 0
I need to solve this equation for x. I've been trying to factor it to no avail... Honestly I don't even know where to start. I tried factoring out an x, only to realize that there is no x in the last term. I'm so stuck, please help!
Found 2 solutions by richard1234, josgarithmetic:
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the quadratic formula, replacing "b" with "a+1" and "c" with "a-1" and the problem is solved.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39616) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Any reason you must FACTOR?

An attempt:
ax^2+ax+x+a-1=0
ax^2+ax+a+x-1=0
a(x^2+x+1)+x-1=0

General Solution for Quadratic Equation.
...
x=%28-%28a%2B1%29%2B-+sqrt%28%28a%2B1%29%5E2-4%2Aa%2A%28a-1%29%29%29%2F%282a%29
x=%28-a-1%2B-+sqrt%28a%5E2%2B2a%2B1-4a%5E2%2B4a%29%29%2F%282a%29
highlight%28x=%28-a-1%2B-+sqrt%28-3a%5E2%2B6a%2B1%29%29%2F%282a%29%29
This does not seem to be simplifiable any further.