Factor x^2-16x+48

Problem

x2−16*x+48

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−16 and c=48

2. Find two numbers that multiply to c (48 and add up to b (−16.

3. List factor pairs of 48 that could sum to a negative number: (−1,−48) (−2,−24) (−3,−16) (−4,−12) and (−6,−8)

4. Select the pair (−4,−12) because −4+(−12)=−16

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

Final Answer

x2−16*x+48=(x−4)*(x−12)

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