Question

How do you factor the expression `x^2 - 7x + 10`?

Answer 1

`x^2-7x+10=(x-2)(x-5)`

Explanation:

Find two numbers that multiply to `10` and add to `-7`.

In this case, the two numbers that work are `-5` and `-2`.

Rewrite:
`x^2-7x+10`

`= x^2 - 2x - 5x + 10`

`= x(x-2) - 5(x-2)`

`= (x-2)(x-5)`