Questions: Use factoring to solve the quadratic equation. Check by substitution or by using a graphing utility and identifying (x)-intercepts.
[ x^2-3 x-54=0 ]
The solution set is (square).
Transcript text: Use factoring to solve the quadratic equation. Check by substitution or by using a graphing utility and identifying $x$-intercepts.
\[
x^{2}-3 x-54=0
\]
The solution set is $\square$.
Solution
Solution Steps
To solve the quadratic equation \(x^2 - 3x - 54 = 0\) by factoring, we need to find two numbers that multiply to -54 and add up to -3. Once we find these numbers, we can factor the quadratic equation and solve for \(x\). Finally, we can verify the solutions by substitution.
Step 1: Factor the Quadratic Equation
To solve the quadratic equation \(x^2 - 3x - 54 = 0\) by factoring, we need to find two numbers that multiply to \(-54\) and add up to \(-3\). These numbers are \(-9\) and \(6\).
Step 2: Write the Factored Form
Using the numbers \(-9\) and \(6\), we can write the factored form of the quadratic equation:
\[
x^2 - 3x - 54 = (x - 9)(x + 6) = 0
\]
Step 3: Solve for \(x\)
Set each factor equal to zero and solve for \(x\):
\[
x - 9 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 9
\]
\[
x + 6 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = -6
\]
Step 4: Verify the Solutions
Substitute \(x = 9\) and \(x = -6\) back into the original equation to verify:
\[
9^2 - 3(9) - 54 = 81 - 27 - 54 = 0
\]
\[
(-6)^2 - 3(-6) - 54 = 36 + 18 - 54 = 0
\]
Both solutions satisfy the original equation.