Question 1005948
Is there a quick method you know to factor things out quickly? 

like x^2-4x-12
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It's trial and error.
(ax + b)*(cx + d) = x^2-4x-12
There are things to notice, tho.
The -12 --> b & d have different signs, one is + and one is negative.
The -4x --> the negative term is larger.
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It's not too hard when the coefficient of the x^2 = 1.
a = c = 1
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b*d = -12
b + d = -4
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You find a combo of b & d that work.
There are not many pairs of integers with a product of 12.
Find the pair that differ by 4.
1*12  NG
2*6
3*4  NG