Q. factor as the product of two binomials. x2−3x−10
Identify Coefficients: Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression.The quadratic expression is x2−3x−10. Here, the coefficient of x2(a) is 1, the coefficient of x(b) is −3, and the constant term (c) is −10.
Find Multiplying Numbers: Determine two numbers that multiply to give the product of a⋅c (which is −10) and add up to b (which is −3).We need to find two numbers that multiply to −10 and add up to −3. The numbers −5 and 2 satisfy these conditions because (−5)⋅2=−10 and (−5)+2=−3.
Write Split Expression: Write the quadratic expression using the two numbers found in the previous step to split the middle term.The expression becomes x2−5x+2x−10. We have split the middle term −3x into −5x and 2x.
Factor by Grouping: Factor by grouping.Group the terms to factor by grouping: (x2−5x)+(2x−10).
Factor Common Factors: Factor out the greatest common factor from each group.From the first group x2−5x, we can factor out an x to get x(x−5). From the second group 2x−10, we can factor out a 2 to get 2(x−5).
Write Factored Form: Write the factored form by combining the common factors.Since both groups contain the factor (x−5), the factored form is (x−5)(x+2).
More problems from Factor quadratics with leading coefficient 1