Question 207788
The first step is to write it in descending order:

m^2 -m - 56


It starts out 
(m____)(m____).


Next, look at the last term.  You need to find two numbers whose product is -56, that will add (or in this case subtract!) to give you the middle term which is -1m.  This would be -8 and +7, so write it this way:


(m-8)(m+7)


For additional help with this type of problem, please see my own website by clicking on my tutor name anywhere in algebra.com.  Look for the link on my homepage "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." Select "Basic Algebra", Chapter 2, and look for "Factoring Trinomials".  See also my page called "MATH IN LIVING COLOR", again, Basic Algebra, Chapter 2.  There I have a lot of problems like this solved in "Living Color".


R^2


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje
Seminole State College
Altamonte Springs Campus
Florida