algebra · worked example

Solve x² - 5x + 4 = 0

Method: factoring. Verified step-by-step solution with our free AI math solver.
Problem

x2−5x+4=0x^2 - 5x + 4 = 0

Step-by-step solution

  1. Find two numbers multiplying to 44 and adding to −5-5.

  2. Both negative (positive product, negative sum): (−1,−4)(-1, -4).

  3. Factor: (x−1)(x−4)=0(x - 1)(x - 4) = 0.

  4. Solve: x=1x = 1 or x=4x = 4.

Answer

x=1orx=4x = 1 \quad \text{or} \quad x = 4

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