How do you factor x2-5?

Answer 1

3X^2 - 5X - 2 = 0

needed: the quadratic equation

-b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)/2a

a = 3

b = -5

c = -2

-(-5) +/- sqrt[(-5)^2 - 4(3)(-2)]/2(3)

5 +/- sqrt(25 + 24)/6

5 +/- sqrt(49)/6

5 +/- 7/6 ( that divisor line means 5 +/- 7; then divide by 6 )

X = 2

X = - 1/3

check the easy answer

3(2)^2 - 5(2) - 2 = 0

12 - 10 - 2 = 0

0 = 0

checks ( you check the fraction )

Answer 2

(x - the square root of 5)(x + the square root of 5)