Factor 7x^2-8x-12

Problem

7*x2−8*x−12

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression a*x2+b*x+c where a=7 b=−8 and c=−12

2. Calculate the product a*c by multiplying 7 and −12

a*c=−84

3. Find two numbers that multiply to −84 and add to the middle coefficient b=−8

−14⋅6=−84

−14+6=−8

4. Rewrite the middle term −8*x using the two numbers found in the previous step.

7*x2−14*x+6*x−12

5. Factor by grouping by taking the greatest common factor out of the first two terms and the last two terms.

7*x*(x−2)+6*(x−2)

6. Factor out the common binomial factor (x−2)

(7*x+6)*(x−2)

Final Answer

7*x2−8*x−12=(7*x+6)*(x−2)

Want more problems? Check here!