Question 110995


{{{x^2-3x-40=0}}}


{{{(x-8)(x+5)=0}}} Factor the left side (note: if you need help with factoring, check out this <a href=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/playground/change-this-name4450.solver>solver</a>)




Now set each factor equal to zero:


{{{x-8=0}}} or {{{x+5=0}}}


{{{x=8}}} or {{{x=-5}}}  Now solve for x in each case



So our solutions are {{{x=8}}} or {{{x=-5}}}



Notice if we graph {{{y=x^2-3x-40}}} we get


{{{ graph(500,500,-10,10,-10,10, x^2-3x-40) }}}


and we can see that the graph has roots at {{{x=8}}} and {{{x=-5}}}, so this verifies our answer.