how do i solve x226x48 Solutionx226x48 is in the form ax2bxc

how do i solve x2-26x+48 ?

Solution

x^2-26x+48 is in the form ax^2+bx+c
a=1, b=-26 and c=48
because b is even, c must be factored into the product of two even numbers, NOT an even times an odd
therefore you cannot use 1*48 and 3*16
you can use 2*24, 4*12 or 6*8
looking at the products, which two numbers add or subtract to make 26 ? (disregarding signs for the moment)
2 and 24 add to make 26
48 is positive and 26 is negative so you use -2 and -24
(-2)(-24)=48 and -2+(-24)=-26
the answer is (x-2)(x-24)
if the problem is x^2-26x+48=0 then we have (x-2)(x-24)=0
x-2=0 and x-24=0
therefore x=2 and x=24
check by substituting the numbers 2 and 24, one at a time, into the original equation
2^2-26*2+48=0
4-52+48=0
24^2-26*24+48=0
576-624+48=0