factor the following expression.\nx² + 4x - 12\n(x + ?)(x - )

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to - 12 and add up to 4. The numbers are 6 and - 2 since $6\times(-2)=-12$ and $6+( - 2)=4$.

Step2: Factor the expression

We can rewrite the quadratic expression $x^{2}+4x - 12$ as $(x + 6)(x-2)$.

Answer:

$(x + 6)(x - 2)$