Q. \(x^2-3x-18\)

Answer

Factor the quadratic.

\[
x^2-3x-18=(x-6)(x+3)
\]

Set each factor equal to zero:

\[
x-6=0 \Rightarrow x=6,\quad x+3=0 \Rightarrow x=-3
\]

Final result: \(x=6\) or \(x=-3\).

Detailed Explanation

We want to solve the expression \(x^2 – 3x – 18\). A common first step is to factor it, if possible.

Step 1: Factor the quadratic.

For a quadratic of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c\), we look for two numbers that:

  • Multiply to \(ac\), which is \((-18)\)
  • Add to \(b\), which is \((-3)\)

Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = -3\), and \(c = -18\). So we need two numbers that multiply to \((1)(-18) = -18\) and add to \(-3\).

Step 2: Find the numbers.

List factor pairs of \(-18\):

  • \(1\) and \(-18\) (sum \(-17\))
  • \(2\) and \(-9\) (sum \(-7\))
  • \(3\) and \(-6\) (sum \(-3\))

The pair \(3\) and \(-6\) works because:

  • \(3 \cdot (-6) = -18\)
  • \(3 + (-6) = -3\)

Step 3: Write the factored form.

Using these values, we can factor:

\[
x^2 – 3x – 18 = (x + 3)(x – 6)
\]

Final Answer:

\[
x^2 – 3x – 18 = (x + 3)(x – 6)
\]

See full solution

Graph

image
Stuck on x²−3x−18? Try AI Homework Help now!
Homework Helper

Algebra FAQ

Factor \(x^2-3x-18\).

\((x-6)(x+3)\).

Solve \(x^2-3x-18=0\).

Set \((x-6)(x+3)=0\), so \(x=6\) or \(x=-3\).

What are the roots of \(x^2-3x-18\)?

The roots are \(\{6,-3\}\).

Find the vertex of \(y=x^2-3x-18\).

\(x_v=-\frac{b}{2a}=-\frac{-3}{2}=\frac{3}{2}\). Then \(y_v=f\!\left(\frac{3}{2}\right)=-\frac{45}{4}\).

What is the discriminant of \(x^2-3x-18\)?

\(a=1,b=-3,c=-18\). So \(D=b^2-4ac=9-4(1)(-18)=81\).

Compute \(f(3)\) and \(f(-3)\) for \(f(x)=x^2-3x-18\).

\(f(3)=9-9-18=-18\). \(f(-3)=9+9-18=0\).
Use the tools to factor x²-3x-18.
Check your roots and simplify.
image
298,376+ active customers
Math, Geometry, Trigonometry, etc.
top
Upgrade to Edubrain Premium
Unlimited help across all subjects
$16
$3.99
/week
Core benefits:
  • ok Unlimited AI homework help
  • ok A+ quality answers
  • ok Faster responses, no limits
Tools:
  • ok Notes generator
  • ok Diagram generator
  • ok AI detector and humanizer
Extras:
  • ok Ad-free experience
  • ok Share responses with others
  • ok Advanced reasoning
expert
Expert-level help at discounted prices
Cancel anytime
Star
4.6Trusted by 14,623 students
🚀 Upgrade Plan
You’ve reached the free limit of 5 slides.
To generate a full presentation, please subscribe.
Unlock with subscription:
  • ok Unlimited slide generation for presentations
  • ok AI-designed, well-structured slide content
  • ok Faster workflow for bigger decks
-
Plus, get unlimited access to:
  • ok Diagram Generator, Flashcard Maker, Notes Generator, Research Assistant, Answer Generator, AI Homework Helper & AI Detector
  • ok Discounted designer expert help
Star
4.6Trusted by 14,623 students