factor $x^2 - 5x - 14$.
factor $x^2 - 5x - 14$.
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Find pair of factors of -14
We need two numbers that multiply to $-14$ and add to $-5$. These numbers are $-7$ and $2$, since $(-7)\times2=-14$ and $-7+2=-5$.
Step2: Split middle term and factor
Rewrite the quadratic using the found pair, then factor by grouping: $$ \begin{align*} x^2 - 5x - 14&=x^2 -7x +2x -14\ &=x(x-7)+2(x-7)\ &=(x-7)(x+2) \end{align*} $$
Answer:
$(x-7)(x+2)$