When c = 0

The general form of a quadratic equation is . If the constant coefficient,

c = 0, the equation can be solved by a simple factorisation. Look at the example below.

Example 1

Solve each of the following quadratic equation by factorisation.

(a)
(b)

Answer
(a)
, factorise the equation

or

when

Hence, the root of the equation is x = 0 or x = -3/2.

(b)

, factorise the equation

or
when

Hence, the root of the equation is x = 0 or x = 1/3.

[edit] When b = 0

Example 2

Solve the following equation.

(a)
 (b)
(c)
Answer
(a)

or
or
or

(b)

(c)

or

[edit] When b ≠ 0 and c ≠ 0

Example 3

Find the roots of the following quadratic equation.

(a)

(b)

(c)
(d)

Answer
(You should have learned how to factorise q quadratic Expression
in form 3. You if have forgotten, you may visit the
MyHomeTuition.com's online tuition webpage to revise. You may
also click on the Youtube video below to learn solving quadratic
equation by factorisation)
(a)

Hence,
or
or

(b)

Hence,
or
or

(c)

 The equation is not in general form. To factorise a

quadratic equation, we must put the equation in general
form.
 There are brackets in the equation. We must expand the
brackets before we can rewrite the equation in general
form.

[expand the bracket]

[rewrite the equation in general form]

 Hence,
or
or

(d)

Hence
or
or