Question

How do you factor and solve `x^2 + 3x + 2 = 0`?

Answer 1

`x=-2`

Explanation:

`x^2+3x+2=0`
`x^2+3x=0-2`

`x^2+3x=-2`

A squared number + `3x` = negative 2 (`-2`)

So `x` must be negative.

`-2^2+(3x-2)=-2`

`4+-6=-2`

`x=-2`

Answer 2

`x=-2" or "x=-1`

Explanation:

`"the factors of + 2 which sum to + 3 are + 2 and + 1"`

`rArr(x+2)(x+1)=0`

`"equate each factor to zero and solve for x"`

`x+2=0rArrx=-2`

`x+1=0rArrx=-1`

`"solutions are "x=-2" or "x=-1`