How does factoring help solve quadratic equations?

Answer 1

Well, that's one method to solve the quadratic equation. Here is an example (using the symbol "^" for power): solve x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0

Step 1: Convert the equation to a form in which the right side is equal to zero. (Already done in this example.)

Step 2: Factor the left side. In this case, (x - 3) (x - 2) = 0

Step 3: Use the fact that if a product is zero, at least one of its factors must be zero. This lets you convert the equation to two equations;

x - 3 = 0 OR x - 2 = 0

Step 4: Solve each of the two equations.