A few days ago
how do you factor an equation?
i have to factor
1. x^2 – 5x + 12
2. x^2 – 36
im not trying to cheat, i just need help on remembering how to do this considering i havent done it in 2 years
Top 2 Answers
A few days ago
Favorite Answer
1.
The factors for this will be of the form:
(x – a)(x – b).
This multiplies out to:
x^2 – (a + b)x + ab.
You need to find, by trial and error, two numbers a and b such that a + b = 5 and ab = 12.
12 can be factored to 4*3, 6*2 or 12*1.
There is no solution, unless you want to complete the square and find irrational factors.
2.
This is the difference of two squares.
a^2 – b^2 factorises to (a + b)(a – b).
This one is easier than the first.
0
A few days ago
You don’t factor equations. You factor expressions. Equations are solved, not factored.
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