factor the following expression.\nx² - 2x - 48\n(x - ?)(x + )

Answer:

$(x - 8)(x + 6)$

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to -48 and add up to -2.

Step2: List factor - pairs of 48

The factor - pairs of 48 are: (1,48), (2,24), (3,16), (4,12), (6,8). Since the product is negative (-48), one number is positive and one is negative. And since the sum is -2, the two numbers are -8 and 6 because $(-8)\times6=-48$ and $-8 + 6=-2$.

Step3: Write the factored form

So, $x^{2}-2x - 48=(x - 8)(x + 6)$.