Factor x^2-x-12

Problem

x2−x−12

Solution

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

2. Find two integers that multiply to c=−12 and add to b=−1

3. Determine the pair of numbers, which are −4 and 3 since (−4)⋅3=−12 and −4+3=−1

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

Final Answer

x2−x−12=(x−4)*(x+3)

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