SOLUTION: factor the polynomial expression x2-6x-7

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Question 614058: factor the polynomial expression x2-6x-7
Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E2-6x-7
This is a trinomial (a 3-term expression) with a leading coefficient of 1. These can be very easy to factor. Just ask yourself: "What are the factors of the constant term (at the end) that add up to the middle coefficient?" The answer to that question tells you how to factor it.

Your constant term is -7, whose factors are either 1 and -7 or -1 and 7. Which of these pairs, if any, add up to the middle coefficient, which is -6? Answer: 1 and -7. So your expression factors into:
%28x%2B1%29%28x-7%29