Question

How do you factor the trinomial `x² + 2x - 8`?

Answer 1

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

Explanation:

First we find what 2 numbers when multiplied and added give the result -8 and +2 respectively. The numbers are +4 and -2.

`x^2 + 4x -2x -8`

We then group and collect like terms.

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

Then conclude.

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