Solve x² - 5x + 6 = 0

Solve the quadratic equation x² - 5x + 6 = 0 using the quadratic formula.

Solution:

Discriminant: Δ = 1 (2 real roots)

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1 Identify the Standard Form

A quadratic equation has the form: ax² + bx + c = 0

From the given equation:

• a = 1 (coefficient of x²)

• b = -5 (coefficient of x)

• c = 6 (constant term)

Standard form: x² - 5x + 6 = 0

x² - 5x + 6 = 0

Step 2 Calculate the Discriminant

The discriminant determines the nature of the roots.

D = b² - 4ac

D = (-5)² - 4(1)(6)

D = 25 - 24

D = 1

Since D = 1 > 0 and √D = 1 (perfect square),

the equation has two distinct RATIONAL roots.

D = 1

Step 3 Solve by Factoring

For x² + -5x + 6 = 0, we need two numbers that:

• Multiply to give c = 6

• Add to give b = -5

The numbers are: -3 and -2

Check: -3 × -2 = 6 ✓

Check: -3 + -2 = -5 ✓

\text{Find factors of } 6 \text{ that sum to } -5

Step 4 Write the Factored Form

x² + -5x + 6 = (x - 3)(x - 2)

Setting each factor equal to zero:

(x - 3) = 0 → x = 3

(x - 2) = 0 → x = 2

(x - 3)(x - 2) = 0

Step 5 Verify the Solutions

Substitute each solution back into the original equation:

For x = 3:

1(3)² + -5(3) + 6

= 0 ✓

For x = 2:

1(2)² + -5(2) + 6

= 0 ✓

\text{Both solutions verified!}

Step 6 Final Answer

x = 2 or x = 3