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

Anonymous

Favorite Answer

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.

This is the difference of two squares.

a^2 – b^2 factorises to (a + b)(a – b).

This one is easier than the first.

A few days ago

LARRY R

You don’t factor equations. You factor expressions. Equations are solved, not factored.

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