Chapter 4 Quadratic Functions and Factoring - 4.3 Solve x(squared) + bx + c = 0 - 4.3 Exercises - Skill Practice - Page 256: 31

-5

Since the coefficient of the squared term is one, we know that the expression must factor to: $$ (t\pm a)(t\pm b)$$ Here, we see that a and b must multiply to get $25$ and add to get $10$. Thus, we find that the solution is: $$(t+5)(t+5)$$ Thus, setting each factor equal to zero, we find that the solutions are: $$-5$$