Factor x^2-x-6

Problem

x squared minus x minus 6

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a x squared plus b x plus c where a equals 1 b equals negative 1 and c equals negative 6

2. Find two numbers that multiply to c (which is negative 6 and add to b (which is negative 1.

3. Determine the pair of numbers, which are negative 3 and 2 since negative 3 times 2 equals negative 6 and negative 3 plus 2 equals negative 1

4. Write the expression in factored form open paren x plus p close paren times open paren x plus q close paren using the numbers found.

Final Answer

x squared minus x minus 6 equals open paren x minus 3 close paren times open paren x plus 2 close paren

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