ax^2 + bx + c
Example:
x^2 - 5x - 6
you have to times a and c, but since a is 1 and c is -6 it will be -6
factor (ac) l sum b
factor (-6) l sum -5
now factors that can go into -6 have to add up to -5
in this case 1 + (-6) = -5
so you will put it into parentheses.
(x + 1) (x - 6)
that would be the answer.
then if you foil it.
It would come back out as
x^2 - 5x - 6