Factor x^2-5x-6

Problem

x2−5*x−6

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−5 and c=−6

2. Find two numbers that multiply to the product a*c=−6 and add to the middle coefficient b=−5

3. Determine the pair of numbers, which are −6 and 1 since (−6)×1=−6 and −6+1=−5

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

Final Answer

x2−5*x−6=(x−6)*(x+1)

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