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

Subproblem 1
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
Subproblem 2
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
Solution
a = {-3, 14}