SOLUTION: Tutor, I am having problems getting the correct sign. I would appreciate your help with these two problems. Solve: x^2 + 8x - 20 = 0 (10 and 2 are the numbers whic

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: Tutor, I am having problems getting the correct sign. I would appreciate your help with these two problems. Solve: x^2 + 8x - 20 = 0 (10 and 2 are the numbers whic      Log On


   

Question 105083: Tutor,
I am having problems getting the correct sign. I would appreciate your help with these two problems.
Solve:
x^2 + 8x - 20 = 0 (10 and 2 are the numbers which are negative and possitive)
and
x^2 + 16x + 60 = 0 (6 and 10 are the numbers I have the same problem)
I have the most difficulty with the signs I am not sure I am getting the right negatives and possitives. Thank you for your guidance on my problems.
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve:
1)
x%5E2%2B8x-20+=+0 Factor this trinomial.
%28x%2B10%29%28x-2%29+=+0 Apply the zero products principle:
x%2B10+=+0 or x-2+=+0
x%2B10+=+0 Subtract 10 from both sides., so...
x+=+-10
x-2+=+0 Add 2 to both sides.
x+=+2
2)
x%5E2%2B16x%2B60+=+0 Factor this trinomial.
%28x%2B10%29%28x%2B6%29+=+0 Apply the zero products principle.
x%2B10+=+0 or x%2B6+=+0
x%2B10+=+0 Subtract 10 from both sides.
x+=+-10
x%2B6+=+0 Subtract 6 from both sides.
x+=+-6