Factor x^2-x-2

Problem

x2−x−2

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−1 and c=−2

2. Find two numbers that multiply to a⋅c=−2 and add to b=−1

3. Determine the pair of numbers, which are −2 and 1 since (−2)*(1)=−2 and −2+1=−1

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

Final Answer

x2−x−2=(x−2)*(x+1)

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