SOLUTION: For what values of b is the expression factorable? x2+bx+12

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: For what values of b is the expression factorable? x2+bx+12      Log On


   

Question 882684: For what values of b is the expression factorable? x2+bx+12
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28x%2Bu%29%28x%2Bv%29=x%5E2%2B%28u%2Bv%29x%2Buv
So,
uv=12
u=12%2Fv
and,
b=u%2Bv
b=12%2Fv%2Bv
So for any non-zero value of v,
b=12%2Fv%2Bv and the equation is factorable to,
x%5E2%2B%28u%2Bv%29x%2Buv=%28x%2B12%2Fv%29%28x%2Bv%29