x² + 4x + 3
To solve this quadratic equation, set it equal to zero.
x² + 4x + 3 = 0
Now, you can solve by either using the Quadratic Formula or by factoring. As factoring is much less messy, let us see if this equation is able to be factored.
To factor this standard form equation, find two numbers whose sum is 4 and whose product is 3.
2 + 2 = 4; 2 × 2 = 4 -- This does not work
3 + 1 = 4; 3 × 1 = 3 -- This does work
The factored polynomial is (x + 3)(x + 1). To find x, find the zeros of the factors (set them equal to zero and solve).
x + 3 = 0 => x = -3
x + 1 = 0 => x = -1
Answer:
x = -3
x = -1
