SOLUTION: Use the ac test to determine which of the following trinomials can be factored. Find the values of m and n for each trinomial that can be factored.
x^2+2x-15
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Question 83588: Use the ac test to determine which of the following trinomials can be factored. Find the values of m and n for each trinomial that can be factored.
x^2+2x-15
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In order to factor , first we need to ask ourselves: What two numbers multiply to -15 and add to 2? Lets find out by listing all of the possible factors of -15
Factors:
1,3,5,15,
-1,-3,-5,-15,List the negative factors as well. This will allow us to find all possible combinations
These factors pair up to multiply to -15.
(-1)*(15)=-15
(-3)*(5)=-15
Now which of these pairs add to 2? Lets make a table of all of the pairs of factors we multiplied and see which two numbers add to 2
| First Number | | | Second Number | | | Sum |
| 1 | | | -15 | || | 1+(-15)=-14 |
| 3 | | | -5 | || | 3+(-5)=-2 |
| -1 | | | 15 | || | (-1)+15=14 |
| -3 | | | 5 | || | (-3)+5=2 |