Question

Leonora is factoring a trinomial. The factors of the trinomial are shown on the model.

An algebra tile configuration. 7 tiles are in the Factor 1 spot: 1 is labeled + x and 6 are labeled negative. 3 tiles are in the Factor 2 spot: 1 is labeled + x and 2 are labeled +. 0 tiles are in the Product spot.
Which trinomial did she factor?

x2 + 4x – 12
x2 + 2x – 6
x2 – 8x – 6
x2 – 4x – 12

Answer 1

The first factor is x − 6 (one +x and six −1 tiles) and the second is x + 2 (one +x and two +1 tiles).
(x − 6)(x + 2) = x^2 − 4x − 12.

So the trinomial is x^2 − 4x − 12.