SOLUTION: factor the algebraic expressions completely. x^2 – 16x + 63

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Question 47747: factor the algebraic expressions completely.
x^2 – 16x + 63
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factor completely:
x%5E2-16x%2B63
If this expression can be factored, the factors will have the form:
%28x+%2B+m%29%28x+%2B+n%29 where: m%2An+=+63 and m+%2B+n+=+-16%29
Make a list of the possibilities:
Since the sum is negative and the product is positive, both m and n must be negative.
Try: m=-3 and n=-21
m+n = -24 and m*n = 63 No good!
Try: m=-9 and m=-7
m+n = -16 and m*n = 63 This will work!
x%5E2-16x%2B63+=+%28x-9%29%28x-7%29