# Math Help - Simultaneous equation

1. ## Quacky's Guide to Factoring a Quadratic

Originally Posted by andyboy179
so would i use 7 and 1, for example would i do 7x-1= -7 (i know that wouldn't fit but is it the correct way of doing it?)
You have 3 and 1.
You have 7 and 1.

-Take one number from the top and one number from the bottom.
-Pair them together and multiply them.
-There will be 2 numbers left unselected.
-Pair them together and multiply them.
-See if you can add them or subtract them to obtain 4
-If you can, place each paired number in an opposite bracket. You know which values are "stuck" to a $y$ so then you just need to work out the signs.

2. ## Re: Quacky's Guide to Factoring a Quadratic

7-3=4 so that would be it and y= -7 or -3

3. ## Re: Quacky's Guide to Factoring a Quadratic

Originally Posted by andyboy179
7-3=4 so that would be it and y= -7 or -3
We know it's $(3y\pm~)(y\mp~)$

Finish it up. Which numbers go in which brackets? Read through what I said above again if you get confused.

4. ## Re: Quacky's Guide to Factoring a Quadratic

(3y+7) (y+3)???

5. ## Re: Quacky's Guide to Factoring a Quadratic

actually it would be (3y - 7)(y + 1) = 0
y= 7/3 or -1

Page 2 of 2 First 12