SOLUTION: How to factor {{{x^2+10x-24}}} completely? So far I already have {{{(x+12) * (x-2)}}}, but I don't know if it's COMPLETELY factored. Thanks!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: How to factor {{{x^2+10x-24}}} completely? So far I already have {{{(x+12) * (x-2)}}}, but I don't know if it's COMPLETELY factored. Thanks!      Log On


   

Question 442946: How to factor x%5E2%2B10x-24 completely?
So far I already have %28x%2B12%29+%2A+%28x-2%29, but I don't know if it's COMPLETELY factored.
Thanks!
Answer by swincher4391(1107) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It is completely factored. You can't break down linear terms. If you want to check if it truly multiplies out, you can use FOIL.
FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner Last.
First:
%28highlight%28x%29+%2B+12%29+%2A+%28highlight%28x%29-2%29++=+x%5E2%29
Outer:
%28highlight%28x%29+%2B+12%29%2A+%28x+-+highlight%282%29%29=+-2x%29
Inner:
%28x+%2B+highlight%2812%29%29+%2A%28highlight%28x%29+-+2%29+=+12x
Last:
%28x+%2B+highlight%2812%29%29+%2A%28x+-highlight%282%29%29+=+-24
SIMPLIFY
x%5E2+%2B+highlight%28-2x+%2B12x%29+-24+=+x%5E2+%2B10x+-24
So you know it works.