IXL - Solve polynomial equations (Algebra 2 practice)

Solve for

–

Write each solution as an integer, proper fraction, or improper fraction in simplest form. If there are multiple solutions, separate them with commas.

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question

Solve for

–

Write each solution as an integer, proper fraction, or improper fraction in simplest form. If there are multiple solutions, separate them with commas.

key idea

Factoring a difference of squares:

–

(

)

(

–

)

solution

Step 1: Factor.

Notice that

–

is a difference of squares, because it can be written in the form

–

where

and

is 4.

–

Now use the formula for factoring a difference of squares.

–

(

)

(

–

)

–

(

)

(

–

)

–

(

)

(

–

)

Step 2: Use the zero product property to solve.

According to the zero product property, if

(

)

(

–

)

then

must be 0 or

–

must be 0. Write the two equations and solve for

–

The solutions are

–

and

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Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

O.3Solve a quadratic equation by factoring

O.6Solve a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula

O.1Solve a quadratic equation using square roots

M.8Factor sums and differences of cubes

M.6Factor using a quadratic pattern

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