Answered

Get the answers you need at Westonci.ca, where our expert community is always ready to help with accurate information. Join our Q&A platform to connect with experts dedicated to providing precise answers to your questions in different areas. Get precise and detailed answers to your questions from a knowledgeable community of experts on our Q&A platform.

x2 - x - 6 =
Simplified. I know the answer is (x+2)(x-3), but I don't understand how the answer was achieved. Can I please get an explanation of this?

Sagot :

[tex]x^2-x-6=(x+2)(x-3)\\\\-x=2x-3x\\-6=2\times(-3)\\\\or\\\\x^2-x-6=x^2+2x-3x-6=x(x+2)-3(x+2)=(x+2)(x-3)[/tex]
AL2006
I had a lot of trouble with this when my algebra class started doing it,
a long time ago.

The key is this:  Look at the -6 at the end.  You have to find two factors
of that number that add up to the -1 in the middle.

Here are the possible factors of -6 :

-1 ... 6
+1 ... -6
-2 ... 3
+2 ... -3

Can you find a pair on the list that adds up to -1 ? 
How about +2 and -3 ?
Their product is -6 and their sum is -1.  That's what you need.

Now set up a couple of binomial factors like this:  (x....) (x....)
and write in the pair of numbers you found:  (x + 2) (x - 3)
That's the factored form of the original expression.


Your visit means a lot to us. Don't hesitate to return for more reliable answers to any questions you may have. Your visit means a lot to us. Don't hesitate to return for more reliable answers to any questions you may have. Discover more at Westonci.ca. Return for the latest expert answers and updates on various topics.