Question

How is factoring the expression x2 – 6x + 8 similar to solving the equation x^2 – 6x + 8 = 0? How is it different?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Expression = x²-6x+8

= x²-4x-2x+8

= x(x-4)-2(x-4)

= (x-4)(x-2)

It is factoring the expression x²-6x+8

But, while solving the equation x²-6x+8 =0, we get the value of x as

x²-6x+8 =0

or, x²-4x-2x+8=0

or, x(x-4)-2(x-4)=0

or, (x-4)(x-2) = 0

Either, x=4

or, x=2

i.e. x= 4,2

Here we get the value of x by solving the equation.

Hence, while factoring the expression, we get the factor which is in product form whereas in solving the equation we get the value of given variables.