Question

How do you factor `x^2 + 5x - 6`?

Answer 1

`(x - 1)(x + 6)`

Explanation:

you need to find two digits that both add to +5 and multiply to -6. 2 and 3 are possibilities, but ultimately do not work, `:.` we'll go with -1 and +6.

`x^2 +5x - 6`

`(x - 1)(x + 6)`

test by expanding via foil method

`x^2 - x + 6x - 6`