To solve the given equation by factoring, we will start by rewriting it so that all terms are on the left-side of the equality sign.
x^2-5=20 ⇔ x^2-25=0
Now we can identify the values of a, b, and c.
x^2-25=0 ⇔ 1x^2+ 0x+( -25)=0
Notice that this equation follows a special pattern. It can be factored as a difference of squares. Let's factor the equation!
We found that the solutions to the given equation are x=- 5 and x=5. To check our answer, we will graph the related function f(x)=x^2-25 using a calculator.
