a^2-a-20=0

Solution for a^2-a-20=0 equation:

Simplifying
a2 + -1a + -20 = 0

Reorder the terms:
-20 + -1a + a2 = 0

Solving
-20 + -1a + a2 = 0

Solving for variable 'a'.

Factor a trinomial.
(-4 + -1a)(5 + -1a) = 0

Subproblem 1
Set the factor '(-4 + -1a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
-4 + -1a = 0

Solving
-4 + -1a = 0

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

Add '4' to each side of the equation.
-4 + 4 + -1a = 0 + 4

Combine like terms: -4 + 4 = 0
0 + -1a = 0 + 4
-1a = 0 + 4

Combine like terms: 0 + 4 = 4
-1a = 4

Divide each side by '-1'.
a = -4

Simplifying
a = -4
Subproblem 2
Set the factor '(5 + -1a)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
5 + -1a = 0

Solving
5 + -1a = 0

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

Add '-5' to each side of the equation.
5 + -5 + -1a = 0 + -5

Combine like terms: 5 + -5 = 0
0 + -1a = 0 + -5
-1a = 0 + -5

Combine like terms: 0 + -5 = -5
-1a = -5

Divide each side by '-1'.
a = 5

Simplifying
a = 5
Solution
a = {-4, 5}