Factor x^2 + 5x - 36

1 answer

To factor the expression x^2 + 5x - 36, we need to find two numbers that add up to 5 and multiply to -36.

The factors of -36 that satisfy this condition are 9 and -4, since 9 + (-4) = 5 and 9 * (-4) = -36.

Thus, we can rewrite the expression as (x + 9)(x - 4).