Question

How do you factor the trinomial `x^2 + 2x - 8`?

Answer 1

`x^2+2x-8=color(blue)((x+4)(x-2))`

Explanation:

`x^2+2x-8`

Find two numbers that when added equal `2`, and when multiplied equal `-8`. The numbers `4` and `-2` meet the criteria.

Rewrite the trinomial as its factors.

`(x+4)(x-2)`