Factor x^2-6x-40

Problem

x2−6*x−40

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−6 and c=−40

2. Find two numbers that multiply to the constant term c=−40 and add to the linear coefficient b=−6

3. Determine the pair of numbers by testing factors of −40 The numbers 4 and −10 satisfy both conditions because 4⋅(−10)=−40 and 4 + (-10) = -6$.

4. Write the factored form using these two numbers as (x+p)*(x+q)

Final Answer

x2−6*x−40=(x+4)*(x−10)

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