2) On this one, it either doesn’t factor (I don’t think it does.) or it isn’t an obvious one. So, use the quadratic formula. What you have been given is:

ax^2 + bx + c = 0

Here’s the formula:

x = (-b +/- root(b^2 – 4ac)) / 2a

This is read as: x equals negative b, plus or minus the square root of b squared minus 4 times a times c, all over 2 times a.

Take the numbers from what you were given (remember the negatives on b and c!) and plug them into the quadratic formula. It will help if you write it all out, and don’t skip steps. Usually when students skip steps, they make sign mistakes or other simple mistakes. You will then end up with two answers. (You will get two answers because of the plus or minus before the square root.) Simplify it as much as possible, including what is in the square root and then you will have two answers.

Good luck!

ax^2 + bx + c = 0,

here is a quick way to check them.

Added together, they should give – b/a, which is 17/3.

Multiplied together, they should give c/a, which is -3.

For the second you need to factor it and then set each factor (in parenthesis) equal to zero and solve.

I hope I explained that clearly enough.