Question #N49

If $x^2 - 2x - 8 = 0$, what is the sum of the solutions to this equation?
A. -2
B. 2
C. 8
D. 10

Correct Answer is: B

The sum of the roots of a quadratic equation in the form of $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ is equal to $-b/a$. In this equation, $a = 1$, $b = -2$, and $c = -8$. Therefore, the sum of the roots is $-(-2)/1 = 2$.