Solve x² − 5x + 6 = 0
The solutions of x² − 5x + 6 = 0 are x = 2 and x = 3.
Problem
Answer
Step-by-step solution
Step 1: Identify coefficients
a = 1, b = −5, c = 6.
Step 2: Discriminant
Δ = b² − 4ac = 25 − 24 = 1.
Step 3: Quadratic formula
x = (5 ± 1) / 2, which gives 3 and 2.
Why this works
A quadratic equation has degree 2. After writing ax² + bx + c = 0, the discriminant tells you how many real roots exist. Here Δ = 1 > 0, so two distinct real roots. Factoring as (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0 produces the same pair.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I factor instead of using the formula?
Yes. 2 and 3 multiply to 6 and add to 5, so (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0. The formula is the check.