Advanced MathMediumConstants in a factored quadratic
Advanced Math practice question
For all values of x, x² + 5x − 6 = (x + a)(x − b), where a and b are positive constants. What is the value of a + b?
Answer: 7
x² + 5x − 6 = (x + 6)(x − 1), so a + b = 6 + 1 = 7.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 5
- 5 is a − b, the coefficient of x.
- If you answered 6
- 6 is a alone, or the product ab.
- If you answered -6
- −6 copies the constant term.
More Advanced Math questions
- Medium
What are the solutions to x² − 5x + 6 = 0? - Medium
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What are the solutions to x² + 6x + 8 = 0?
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