a^2+17a+72=

Solution for a^2+17a+72= equation:

Simplifying
a2 + 17a + 72 = 0

Reorder the terms:
72 + 17a + a2 = 0

Solving
72 + 17a + a2 = 0

Solving for variable 'a'.

Factor a trinomial.
(9 + a)(8 + a) = 0

Subproblem 1
Set the factor '(9 + a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
9 + a = 0

Solving
9 + a = 0

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

Add '-9' to each side of the equation.
9 + -9 + a = 0 + -9

Combine like terms: 9 + -9 = 0
0 + a = 0 + -9
a = 0 + -9

Combine like terms: 0 + -9 = -9
a = -9

Simplifying
a = -9
Subproblem 2
Set the factor '(8 + a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
8 + a = 0

Solving
8 + a = 0

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

Add '-8' to each side of the equation.
8 + -8 + a = 0 + -8

Combine like terms: 8 + -8 = 0
0 + a = 0 + -8
a = 0 + -8

Combine like terms: 0 + -8 = -8
a = -8

Simplifying
a = -8
Solution
a = {-9, -8}