Question

How do you factor `45p - 5p ^ { 2} - 40`?

Answer 1

`-5(p-8)(p-1)`

Explanation:

`45p-5p^2-40`

`-5p^2+45p-40` `->` rewrite the polynomial so it is in standard form

`-5(p^2-9p+8)` `->` factor out the `-5`

To factor the polynomial, find two numbers whose product is `8` and whose sum is `-9`. The numbers `-8` and `-1` work.

`-5(p-8)(p-1)`