Question

Is it possible to factor `y=x^2 + 3x - 28`? If so, what are the factors?

Answer 1

Yes. `y = (x - 4)(x+7)`

Explanation:

`y = ax^2 +bx + c`
In this case `a=1`, `b=3` and `c = -28`
We need to find factors of a and c that subtract (because b and c are opposite signs) to give b. These are 4 and 7
`y = (x - 4)(x+7)`