Mathematics for IGCSE & O level - Equations (Section 4 - No. 10)

What is the first step when using factorization to solve a quadratic equation like x² + 5x + 6 = 0?

Isolate x on one side of the equation.

Identify two numbers that add up to 5 and multiply to 6.

Set the equation equal to zero.

Take the square root of both sides.

Find two factors of the constant term whose sum equals the coefficient of the linear term.