Q. \(x^2 – 2x – 15\)
Answer
To factor \(x^2-2x-15\), find two numbers that multiply to \(-15\) and add to \(-2\). Those numbers are \(-5\) and \(3\).
\[
x^2-2x-15=(x-5)(x+3)
\]
Final result: \((x-5)(x+3)\).
Detailed Explanation
We want to work with the expression \(x^2 – 2x – 15\). A common goal is to factor it, if possible.
Step 1: Write the quadratic in standard form
The expression is already a quadratic in the form
\[
ax^2 + bx + c
\]
Here, \(a = 1\), \(b = -2\), and \(c = -15\).
Step 2: Find two numbers that multiply to \(ac\)
Compute \(ac\):
\[
ac = 1 \cdot (-15) = -15
\]
So we need two numbers that multiply to \(-15\).
Step 3: Find two numbers that add to \(b\)
We need two numbers whose sum is \(b = -2\).
List factor pairs of \(-15\):
\[
-1 \text{ and } 15 \quad (\text{sum } 14)
\]
\[
1 \text{ and } -15 \quad (\text{sum } -14)
\]
\[
3 \text{ and } -5 \quad (\text{sum } -2)
\]
\[
-3 \text{ and } 5 \quad (\text{sum } 2)
\]
The pair that works is \(3\) and \(-5\) because their product is \(-15\) and their sum is \(-2\).
Step 4: Factor the quadratic using the found numbers
Since the numbers are \(3\) and \(-5\), we factor as follows:
\[
x^2 – 2x – 15 = (x + 3)(x – 5)
\]
Explanation: The product \((x + 3)(x – 5)\) gives \(x^2\), and the middle terms combine to \(-2x\), while the constant term is \(-15\).
Final Answer
\[
x^2 – 2x – 15 = (x + 3)(x – 5)
\]
Graph
Algebra FAQ
. Factor \(x^2-2x-15\) completely?
. Solve \(x^2-2x-15=0\)?
. What are the zeros of \(x^2-2x-15\)?
. What are the \(x\)-intercepts and \(y\)-intercept?
. Find the vertex of the parabola \(y=x^2-2x-15\)?
. What is the axis of symmetry?
. Can you solve using the quadratic formula?
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