how do you solve y^2+5y-6=0

Question

how do i solve this quadratic equation?

Answer 1

Factoring is one method fro solving "y2+5y-6=0".

Another method is the quadratic formula:

y= -b ± √[b²-4ac]
           2a

In this equation, a=1; b=5; c=6 so

y= ½(-5 ± √[25 + 24] = ½(-5 ± 7)

So y = either -6 or 1.
                    

Answer 2

Hi Nick,

To solve this quadratic equation, you need to factor the polynomial expression y² + 5y - 6.  In order to do this, you need to see which factors of -6 will add up to give you +5.  The factors of -6 are listed below:

• -6, 1
• 6, -1
• -2, 3
• 2, -3

After looking at this list, you'll notice that 6 + -1 = +5.  That means the polynomial expression can be factored as such:

 

y²+5y+6 =====> (y+6)(y-1) = 0.

You then solve for the values that will fulfill the equation.  In this case, y = -6 or +1.  Hope this helps!