How do you factor x squared minus 3?

Answer 1

x2 - 3 doesn't factor neatly. Applying the quadratic formula, we find two real solutions: Zero plus or minus the square root of three.

x = 1.7320508075688772
x = -1.7320508075688772

Answer 2

This doesn't factor neatly.

However, we can say (sqrt(3))^2 = 3

Hence

x^(2) - (sqrt(3))^2.

This will factor becasue we have two squared terms and a NEGATIVE between them.. NB A positive does NOT factor.

Hence

(x - sqrt(3))(x + sqrt(3)) .

NB The sqrt(3) is 1.732050808.... (It is an Irrational number).