x squared minus 7 x minus 10 equals negative 2 x minus 4

1 answer

To solve the equation \( x^2 - 7x - 10 = -2x - 4 \), let's first bring all terms to one side of the equation so that it equals zero.

  1. Start by adding \( 2x \) and \( 4 \) to both sides of the equation:

    \[ x^2 - 7x - 10 + 2x + 4 = 0 \]

  2. Combine like terms:

    \[ x^2 - 5x - 6 = 0 \]

Now we can factor the quadratic equation \( x^2 - 5x - 6 \):

  1. To factor, we need two numbers that multiply to \(-6\) and add up to \(-5\). These numbers are \(-6\) and \(1\).

    \[ (x - 6)(x + 1) = 0 \]

  2. Now set each factor equal to zero:

    \[ x - 6 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad x + 1 = 0 \]

  3. Solve for \( x \):

    \[ x = 6 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -1 \]

Thus, the solutions to the equation are:

\[ x = 6 \quad \text{and} \quad x = -1 \]