a^2+11a-42=0

Solution for a^2+11a-42=0 equation:

Simplifying
a2 + 11a + -42 = 0

Reorder the terms:
-42 + 11a + a2 = 0

Solving
-42 + 11a + a2 = 0

Solving for variable 'a'.

Factor a trinomial.
(-14 + -1a)(3 + -1a) = 0

Subproblem 1
Set the factor '(-14 + -1a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
-14 + -1a = 0

Solving
-14 + -1a = 0

Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '14' to each side of the equation.
-14 + 14 + -1a = 0 + 14

Combine like terms: -14 + 14 = 0
0 + -1a = 0 + 14
-1a = 0 + 14

Combine like terms: 0 + 14 = 14
-1a = 14

Divide each side by '-1'.
a = -14

Simplifying
a = -14
Subproblem 2
Set the factor '(3 + -1a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
3 + -1a = 0

Solving
3 + -1a = 0

Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '-3' to each side of the equation.
3 + -3 + -1a = 0 + -3

Combine like terms: 3 + -3 = 0
0 + -1a = 0 + -3
-1a = 0 + -3

Combine like terms: 0 + -3 = -3
-1a = -3

Divide each side by '-1'.
a = 3

Simplifying
a = 3
Solution
a = {-14, 3}