ACT Math Question

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>In the equation x2 + mx + n = 0, m and n are integers. The ONLY possible value for x is -3. What is the value of m?</p>

<p>This is a #59 in the math practice test of the official ACT released practice test for 2013-2014. The answer is 6, but if someone could explain why, that would be really really great.</p>

<p>(In the equation "x2" means x squared)</p>

2

<p>If the only possible value of x is -3 and the polynomial is squared, then there will be two solutions. Both of which factor into (x+3) and (x+3). If you multiply (x+3) by (x+3), you get x^2 + 6x + 9. So the value of m is 6. Make sense?</p>

3

<p>YES that makes sense now. Thank you so much!</p>

4

<p>Great answer</p>

5

<p>Wow that was a 59?</p>