Factor x^2-7x-18

Problem

x2−7*x−18

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−7 and c=−18

2. Find two numbers that multiply to the product a*c=−18 and add to the linear coefficient b=−7

3. Determine the factors of −18 that satisfy the condition: the numbers are −9 and 2 since (−9)*(2)=−18 and −9+2=−7

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

Final Answer

x2−7*x−18=(x−9)*(x+2)

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