Q. \(x^2 – 2x – 24\)
Answer
We factor the quadratic \(x^2-2x-24\). We need two numbers that multiply to \(-24\) and add to \(-2\). Those numbers are \(-6\) and \(4\).
\[
x^2-2x-24=(x-6)(x+4)
\]
So the factored form is \((x-6)(x+4)\).
Detailed Explanation
We want to work with the quadratic expression \(x^2 – 2x – 24\). A common goal is to factor it, if possible.
Step 1: Write the expression to be factored
We start with:
\[
x^2 – 2x – 24
\]
Step 2: Use the factor idea
For a quadratic of the form \(x^2 + bx + c\), we look for two numbers that multiply to \(c\) and add to \(b\). Here:
\[
x^2 – 2x – 24
\]
So, in this case:
\[
b = -2,\quad c = -24
\]
Step 3: Find numbers that multiply to \(-24\) and add to \(-2\)
We need two integers \(m\) and \(n\) such that:
\[
m n = -24
\]
and
\[
m + n = -2
\]
List factor pairs of \(-24\):
\[
(-1, 24),\ (1, -24),\ (2, -12),\ (-2, 12),\ (3, -8),\ (-3, 8),\ (4, -6),\ (-4, 6)
\]
Now check which pair adds to \(-2\):
\[
2 + (-12) = -10
\]
\[
4 + (-6) = -2
\]
So the correct pair is \(4\) and \(-6\).
Step 4: Build the factored form
Since we found \(4\) and \(-6\), the factorization is:
\[
x^2 – 2x – 24 = (x + 4)(x – 6)
\]
Final Answer
\[
x^2 – 2x – 24 = (x + 4)(x – 6)
\]
Graph
Algebra FAQ
What are the factors of \(x^2-2x-24\)?
Solve \(x^2-2x-24=0\) by factoring.
Solve \(x^2-2x-24=0\) using the quadratic formula.
What is the discriminant of \(x^2-2x-24\)?
What is the vertex of \(y=x^2-2x-24\)?
What is the \(y\)-intercept of \(x^2-2x-24\)?
What is the leading behavior of \(x^2-2x-24\)?
Math, Geometry, Trigonometry, etc.