Question 16570
x squared+5x-14

Ax(sqaured)+BX+C

To factor your equation we must find factors of -14, that add or subtract to be 5.  We have 1 and 14, No. 2 and 7, YES, 7-2 is 5.


(X+7)(X-2)

Because it is factors of -14, that means there is one positive and one negative factor( ie: +7,-2) and that makes sense because we need the 5 to stay positive, and 7-2 leaves us with a positive 5.

To check your work on any factoring problem, simply foil what you get [ (X+7)(X-2)], and it should equal the original quadratic(x squared+5x-14) if you did it correctly.