Question

x^2-7x-98=0 whT is the smaller x solution and the larger x solution

Answer 1

I think this is what you are asking? I factored it, you probably know how to get to here,

(x-14)(x+7)=0

and then because you can assume that if one part of it (say, x-14) equals 0, then the whole expression would equal 0.

So, put each set of brackets to equal zero, and then isolate for your variable. Those are the zeros of your parabola, or equation.

(x-14)=0
x-14+14=0+14
x=14

(x+7)=0
x+7-7=0-7
x=-7

Therefore your larger x would be x=14, and the smaller would be x=-7.