Question

Solve by factoring:

1.) x^2 - x - 12 = 0

Answer 1

What are the factors of 12? (6 & 2, 3 & 4)

Which combination of those will add to -1?

(x - 4)(x + 3) = 0

x = 4 or -3

Answer 2

First in these type of problems if there is a variable that is squared i always start by putting those in first

1) (x ) (x )

then i decide if im going to need a - or + and in this case because we want to make it - we have to put one of each

2)(x- )(x+ )

then i just start by plugging in numbers and the correct answer i found was..

(x-4)(x+3)

if you need help on others just post em:)

Answer 3

of yes. sorry i almost forget

whenever solving for x

take the problem

(x-4)(x+3)

and make each their own equation

1) (x-4)=0
2)(x+3)=0

then add the 4 and the subtract the three and you get

x=4,-3