Example

Solving 36x2=12136x^2 = 121 by Factoring

Solve the quadratic equation 36x2=12136x^2 = 121 by applying the factoring method.

Step 1 — Write in standard form. Subtract 121121 from both sides: 36x2121=036x^2 - 121 = 0

Step 2 — Factor the quadratic expression. The binomial is a difference of squares. (6x11)(6x+11)=0(6x - 11)(6x + 11) = 0

Step 3 — Apply the Zero Product Property. Set each factor equal to zero: 6x11=0or6x+11=06x - 11 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad 6x + 11 = 0

Step 4 — Solve each linear equation: x=116orx=116x = \frac{11}{6} \quad \text{or} \quad x = -\frac{11}{6}

Step 5 — Check both solutions by substituting into the original equation 36x2=12136x^2 = 121: For x=116x = \frac{11}{6}: 36(116)2=36(12136)=12136\left(\frac{11}{6}\right)^2 = 36\left(\frac{121}{36}\right) = 121 ✓ For x=116x = -\frac{11}{6}: 36(116)2=36(12136)=12136\left(-\frac{11}{6}\right)^2 = 36\left(\frac{121}{36}\right) = 121 ✓ The solutions are x=116x = \frac{11}{6} and x=116x = -\frac{11}{6}.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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