Q. \(x^2 – 5x – 14\)
Answer
Factor the quadratic.
\[
x^2 – 5x – 14 = (x – 7)(x + 2)
\]
So the solutions are when each factor is zero:
\[
x – 7 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 7,\qquad x + 2 = 0 \Rightarrow x = -2
\]
Final result: \(x = 7\) or \(x = -2\).
Detailed Explanation
We are asked to work with the expression
\[
x^2 – 5x – 14
\]
A common goal with a quadratic expression like this is to factor it into two binomials, if possible.
Step 1: Identify the numbers to factor.
For a quadratic of the form
\[
x^2 + bx + c
\]
we need two numbers that multiply to \(c\) and add to \(b\).
Here:
- \(b = -5\)
- \(c = -14\)
Step 2: Find two numbers whose product is \(-14\).
We need numbers \(m\) and \(n\) such that
\[
mn = -14
\]
List factor pairs of \(-14\):
- \(1 \cdot -14 = -14\)
- \(-1 \cdot 14 = -14\)
- \(2 \cdot -7 = -14\)
- \(-2 \cdot 7 = -14\)
Step 3: Check which pair adds to \(-5\).
We also need
\[
m + n = -5
\]
Check each pair:
- \(1 + (-14) = -13\)
- \((-1) + 14 = 13\)
- \(2 + (-7) = -5\) ✓
- \((-2) + 7 = 5\)
The correct pair is \(2\) and \(-7\).
Step 4: Write the factored form.
Since the product is \(-14\) and the sum is \(-5\), the quadratic factors as
\[
x^2 – 5x – 14 = (x + 2)(x – 7)
\]
Final Answer:
\[
x^2 – 5x – 14 = (x + 2)(x – 7)
\]
Graph
Algebra FAQ
Factorize \(x^2-5x-14\).
Solve \(x^2-5x-14=0\).
What are the roots of \(x^2-5x-14\)?
Find the \(x\)-intercepts.
Determine the vertex of \(y=x^2-5x-14\).
Is \(y=x^2-5x-14\) positive or negative between roots?
Get step-by-step help fast.
Math, Geometry, Trigonometry, etc.