Factor k^2-13k+40

Problem

k2−13*k+40

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*k2+b*k+c where a=1 b=−13 and c=40

2. Find two numbers that multiply to c (40 and add to b (−13.

3. List pairs of factors of 40 that could sum to a negative number: (−1,−40) (−2,−20) (−4,−10) and (−5,−8)

4. Select the pair (−5,−8) because −5+(−8)=−13

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

Final Answer

k2−13*k+40=(k−5)*(k−8)

Want more problems? Check here!