Question

Determine the value of a.
x^2 + ax + 6 = (x + 3)(x + 2)

Answer 1

A is 5

Explanation:

FOIL

x times x is x^2

x times 2 is 2x

3 times x is 3x

3 times 2 is 6

Bring it together:

x^2+5x+6 = (x+3) (x+2)

Answer 2

a=5

Explanation:

x^2 + ax + 6 = (x + 3)(x + 2)

FOIL the right hand side

first: x*x = x^2

outer: x*2 = 2x

inner: 3*x = 3x

last : 3*2 = 6

add them together

x^2 +2x+3x+6 = x^2 +5x+6

x^2 + ax + 6 = x^2 + 5x+6

a=5