# Solving a simple equation

I am just starting to study physics and I found this equation:

$$\ x = 8 - {6t} + t^2$$

If possible please explain in a step by step.

Sorry if it's too simple.

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## migrated from physics.stackexchange.comMay 3 '13 at 13:20

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@CrazyBuddy - Thank you for the clarification, but i am not a student, i am using the MIT open course ware to study physics as a passion nothing else, Thank you –  Wahtever May 3 '13 at 12:57
Should that index t at the 6 be really an index? –  DaPhil May 3 '13 at 12:58
Sounds like you need the quadratic formula. –  Mike Dunlavey May 3 '13 at 12:59
Even if it's not a homework, it looks like some math problem to me. You can say where did you find that equation, atleast you can give it proper tags so that others can have an idea ;-) –  Waffle's Crazy Peanut May 3 '13 at 13:00

We rewrite $x=8-6t+t^2=t^2-6t+8=(t-2)(t-4)$, where the last step is obtained by factoring. Assuming you want to solve $x=0$, then either $t-2=0$ or $t-4=0$. This leads to the two solutions $t=2$ and $t=4$.

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