SOLUTION: x^2+10x-128. I've had this problem a few times now (I'm a tutor myself) and it asks to solve for x. I just cannot factor this. Please help me refresh my algebra skills and help me

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: x^2+10x-128. I've had this problem a few times now (I'm a tutor myself) and it asks to solve for x. I just cannot factor this. Please help me refresh my algebra skills and help me       Log On


   

Question 274328: x^2+10x-128. I've had this problem a few times now (I'm a tutor myself) and it asks to solve for x. I just cannot factor this. Please help me refresh my algebra skills and help me find a way to solve for x on this one. Thank you.
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


It doesn't factor over the rationals. Check the discriminant, that is . Works out to 612. Not a perfect square. In fact, the best you can do is

Exact solution set: using the quadratic formula.

Of course the trinomial does factor -- it is just uglier than a mud fence:




John