Factor x^2-4x-12

Problem

x2−4*x−12

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−4 and c=−12

2. Find two numbers that multiply to c (which is −12 and add to b (which is −4.

3. Determine the pair of numbers by testing factors of −12 The pair that satisfies both conditions is −6 and 2 since (−6)*(2)=−12 and −6+2=−4

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

Final Answer

x2−4*x−12=(x−6)*(x+2)

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