SOLUTION: factor each of the following tinomials completely: x^2 - 11x - 60 When I factored this one I came up with: x^2 - 15x + 4x - 60 x^2 - 11x - 60 I am not sure how I ended up

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: factor each of the following tinomials completely: x^2 - 11x - 60 When I factored this one I came up with: x^2 - 15x + 4x - 60 x^2 - 11x - 60 I am not sure how I ended up      Log On


   

Question 70565This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra
: factor each of the following tinomials completely:
x^2 - 11x - 60
When I factored this one I came up with:
x^2 - 15x + 4x - 60
x^2 - 11x - 60
I am not sure how I ended up with the equation for the answer. Is this correct? I need some help with this one. Thanks. This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
factor each of the following tinomials completely:
x^2 - 11x - 60
When I factored this one I came up with:
x^2 - 15x + 4x - 60
x^2 - 11x - 60
------------
Right, you took a step backwards and endup where you started.
This is what you should have done:
x^2 - 15x + 4x - 60
You should now factor the 1st two terms and the last two terms separately:
x(x-15) + 4(x-15)
Now you have a common factor of (x-15)
Factor that out to get:
(x-15)(x+4)
Those are the factors you want.
Cheers,
Stan H.