SOLUTION: Factor the trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime. x²-3x-18 x²-3x-18= Type P if the polynomial is prime.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor the trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime. x²-3x-18 x²-3x-18= Type P if the polynomial is prime.       Log On


   

Question 241484: Factor the trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime.
x²-3x-18
x²-3x-18=
Type P if the polynomial is prime.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factor the trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime.
x²-3x-18
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Think of two numbers whose product is -18 and whose sum is -3.
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The numbers are -6 and 3
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Rewrite the problem making this substitution:
x^2 - 6x + 3x -18
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Factor the 1st two and the last two terms separately:
x(x-6) + 3(x-6)
Factor again to get the solution:
(x-6)(x+3)
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Cheers,
stan H.