Question

How do you factor and solve `x^2 - 14x + 42 = 0`?

Answer 1

`x = 7 +- isqrt6`

Explanation:

`y = x^2 - 14x + 42 = 0`
Use the quadratic formula in graphic form (Socratic, Google Search)
`D = d^2 = b^2 - 4ac = 144 - 168 = - 24`
There are 2 imaginary roots.
`D= d^2 = 24i^2` --> `d = +- 2isqrt6`
`x = -b/(2a) +- d/(2a) = 14/2 +- (2isqrt6)/2 = 7 +- isqrt6`