Eric is using an area model box to factor 6x^2 - 7x -20. He puts two terms, 6x^2 in the upper left area (corner) of the box and he puts -20 in the lower right area (corner) of the box. The product of the two terms described in the area of the model box is: Select the correct answer.

Question

a) 120x^2
b) 120x
c) -120x^2
d) -120x
The sum of the missing two terms in the area model box must be. Select the correct answer.
a) 6x^2
b) -20
c) -7x

Answer 1

The product of the two terms described in the area of the model box is -120x^2 because (6x^2)(-20) = -120x^2.

The sum of the missing two terms in the area model box must be -7x because (6x^2) + (-20) = -7x.