You can jump to x=3 and x=-1 when you get it factored into the linear factors. Once you have (x-3)(x+1)=0, you know that either x-3=0 or x+1=0 (since if the product of two things is 0, then one of the factors must be 0), and so then solve those for x=3 or x=-1.

Oh, the practice test is on line. The original problem is No.1 here [link]

Ah! I understand that. Now I can explain it to him. Thanks.

I flunked Geometry.

I'm okay with that.

I only took Algebra and Geometry then took business type math in college. Statistics and Quantitative methods. DH took Calculus and Trigonometry in college and tutored, but 20 years of not thinking about it leaves him just as clueless as me. At least I do enjoy the process of learning it so I can help him. But seriously, math hard.

I scored a 410 for math on both SAT and GRE tests. At least I'm consistent?

Happy Birthday Spider Girl!

Need to go for a run. Have put of running entirely this week. Shame on me.

Sigh. I just put down a glass of water I was drinking, and didn't realize there was another glass right on the spot on the floor where I was putting the current one, and the bottom glass broke. At least it didn't shatter -- just two big pieces broke off, and I found both of them.

Apparently, I need to be more specific in my instructions to CBD. This morning I said, "Please don't electrocute yourself; I don't want to spend the day in the ER." So, instead, he fell down the stairs and sprained his ankle (it was the size of a tennis ball), and we spent the day in the ER. Good times!

Heh, I have done that exact thing with the glass, Hil. Usually I notice before getting to the breaking point though. Habit of always putting the glass in the same spot.

{{CBD and vw}} No fun.

DH just got back to the office and I told him I got the missing step from the Buffistas. He asked if it was Hil that helped me out. I didn't realize he paid that much attention when I told him about you guys.