Question

(100 POINTS)

Error Analysis - Describe and correct the error a student made in factoring.
x² + 2x - 3 = 5
(x - 1)(x + 3) = 5
x - 1 = 5 or x + 3 = 5
x = 6 or x = 2

Answer 1

Explanation:

x² + 2x - 3 = 5 >You cannot start factoring until you

set =0

(x - 1)(x + 3) = 5

x - 1 = 5 or x + 3 = 5

x = 6 or x = 2

Should be:

x² + 2x - 3 = 5 >Subtract 5 from both sides

x² + 2x - 8 = 0 >Now factor

(x - 2)(x + 4) = 0 >Set each parenthesis =0

x - 2 = 0 or x + 4 = 0 >Solve for x's

x = 2 or x = -4