Factor x^2-6x-16

Problem

x2−6*x−16

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=1 b=−6 and c=−16

2. Find two numbers that multiply to the constant term c=−16 and add to the linear coefficient b=−6

3. Determine the factors of −16 that satisfy the condition: the numbers are −8 and 2 since (−8)*(2)=−16 and −8+2=−6

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

Final Answer

x2−6*x−16=(x−8)*(x+2)

Want more problems? Check here!