Question

How do you factor the expression `x^2-5x-24`?

Answer 1

Factoring the expression `x^2-5x-24` is: `(x-8)(x+3)`

Explanation:

So we need to think of two numbers that gives us `5x` but also `-24`. So there are a few factors of 24. The only factor that works best for this expression is `-8` and `3` which does work as `-8+3=-5 and -8*3=-24` so -8 and 3 work so the final answer is:

`(x-8)(x+3)`