Factor x^2-5x-14

Problem

x2−5*x−14

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−5 and c=−14

2. Find two numbers that multiply to the product a*c=−14 and add to the coefficient b=−5

3. Determine the factors of −14 that satisfy these conditions, which are −7 and 2 since (−7)*(2)=−14 and −7+2=−5

4. Write the expression in factored form (x+p)*(x+q) using the numbers found.

Final Answer

x2−5*x−14=(x−7)*(x+2)

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