Question

Is it possible to factor `y=x^2+9x-22`? If so, what are the factors?

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible to factor this trinomial

Explanation:

When we want to factor trinomials of the form `y = ax^2 + bx + c, a = 1`, we must find two numbers that multiply to c and that add to b.

Two numbers that multiply to -22 and that add to 9 are `+11 and -2`.

`y = x^2 + 9x - 22 -> y = (x + 11)(x - 2)`

Practice exercises:

1. Find out whether it is possible to factor the following trinomials. If so, factor them.

a) `y = x^2 + 5x + 4`

b) `y = x^2 + 4x + 5`

c) `y = x^2 - 4x - 5`

d) `y = x^2 + 4x - 5`

e) `y = x^2 + 10x + 25`

f) `y = x^2 + 10x - 25`

g) `y = x^2 - 10x + 25`

Good luck!