a^2-17a+42=0

Solution for a^2-17a+42=0 equation:

Simplifying
a2 + -17a + 42 = 0

Reorder the terms:
42 + -17a + a2 = 0

Solving
42 + -17a + 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}