Factor x^2-5x+4

Problem

x2−5*x+4

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−5 and c=4

2. Find two numbers that multiply to c (which is 4 and add to b (which is −5.

3. Determine the pair of numbers by testing factors of 4 the numbers −1 and −4 satisfy both conditions because (−1)*(−4)=4 and −1+(−4)=−5

4. Rewrite the expression as a product of two binomials using these numbers in the form (x+p)*(x+q)

Final Answer

x2−5*x+4=(x−1)*(x−4)

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