Question

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

Answer 1

y = (x + 1)(x - 6)

Explanation:

`y = x^2 - 5x - 6`
Since a - b + c = 0, use shortcut:
- one real root is (-1) and the factor is (x + 1)
- one real root is `-c/a = 6` and the factor is (x - 6)
y = (x + 1)(x - 6)