Factor x^2-5x-36

Problem

x2−5*x−36

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−5 and c=−36

2. Find two numbers that multiply to the product a*c=−36 and add to the coefficient b=−5

3. Determine the pair of numbers by testing factors of −36 The numbers 4 and −9 satisfy both conditions because 4⋅(−9)=−36 and 4 + (-9) = -5$.

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

Final Answer

x2−5*x−36=(x−9)*(x+4)

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