Question

Karim is solving the quadratic equation x^2+5x−24=0 by grouping. His work is shown below. Determine the first step at which Karim makes an error. Step 1: x^2+8x+(−3x)−24=0 Step 2: (x^2+8x)+(−3x−24)=0 Step 3: x(x+8)+3(x+8)=0 Step 4: (x+8)(x+3)=0 Step 5: x+8=0 or x+3=0 x=−8 or x=−3

Answer 1

Karim makes an error in Step 1. The correct grouping should be x^2+3x+8x−24=0.