document.write( "Question 229214: How do you Factor Polynomials \"x^2-16x-36\"
\n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #169982 by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
How do you Factor Polynomials \"x^2 - 16x - 36
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "think of the pairs of factors of 36: 2,18; 3,12; 4,9; 6,6
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "The third term is negative, therefore the two factors will differ by the coefficient of x (16)
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "We can see the difference between the pair 2, 18, is 16
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "Give the signs by looking at the sign of 16 (-)
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "Factors to
\n" ); document.write( "(x - 18)(x + 2) = 0
\n" ); document.write( ":
\n" ); document.write( "FOIL this to prove it to yourself \n" ); document.write( "

\n" );