Help?

Hi Olivia,

Thanks guests, 

I just want to discuss this a bit more  :))

Factor         $x^2-8x-48$

Like guest 2 said you need 

2 numbers that multipy to -48 and add to -8

Think about the multiply first.  

They multiply to a negative number so one must be negative and one must be positive.

Now they add to a negative SO the 'bigger' one is negative.

Mmm

So what multiplies to -48  where the 'bigger' one is negative.

possibilities are  

1 and -48,      

2,and -24,    

 3 and -16,    

4 and -12,      

6 and -8

which of these add to -8?     4 and -12  that the only one. 

so

x^2-8x-48 = (x+4)(x-12)             

x-12 ) ( x +4

Factor the following:
x^2-8 x-48

The factors of -48 that sum to -8 are 4 and -12. So, x^2-8 x-48 = (x+4) (x-12):
Answer:  (x+4) (x-12)
 

Thanks, you guys!!!!