Bunuel
Which of the following equations has a solution in common with x² - 2x - 15 = 0?
A. x² - 6x + 9 = 0
B. x² + 2x - 15 = 0
C. 2x² + 9x + 9 = 0
D. 2x² + x - 3 = 0
E. none of the above
msk0657's solution is great. Here's another approach to consider
if your factoring skills are not strong, and it takes you a while to factor.
Solve the original equation: x² - 2x - 15 = 0
Factor to get: (x + 3)(x - 5) = 0
This means EITHER x + 3 = 0, in which case x = -3...
OR x - 5 = 0, in which case x = 5
At this point, we're looking for an answer choice that has EITHER x = -3 OR x = 5 as a solution.
So, start by plugging
x = -3 into the answer choices:
A. (
-3)² - 6(
-3) + 9 = 36.
No good. We need it to evaluate to equal 0
B. (
-3)² + 2(
-3) - 15 = -12.
No good. We need it to evaluate to equal 0
C. 2(
-3)² + 9(
-3) + 9 = 0.
PERFECT! x = -3 IS a solution to this equation
Answer: C