x^2 – 7x – 8
2007-03-11 12:35:50 · 7 answers · asked by Brackish 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Can someone explain how this is factored? I'm not trying to just get answers for homework, I'm trying to understand. I have a few of these to do and I want to do them myself. I will choose a best answer (I always do). Please and thank you.
2007-03-11 12:46:39 · update #1
yes it can, the answer is (x+1)(x-8) the way to get the answer is you have to find 2 numbers that would add to equal -7 and multiply to equal -8. -8+1=-7 and (-8)(-1)=-1
2007-03-11 12:50:37 · answer #1 · answered by heather m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, x^2 – 7x – 8 = (x+1)(x-8)
2007-03-11 19:38:50 · answer #2 · answered by mandynicole_03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The negative sign in front of the 8 tells you that the factors have different signs. Find factors of 8 when subtracting, you get -7; so, -8 and 1.
If the sign in front of the 8 was positive, both signs would have to be the same (both pos. or both neg.), depending on the middle sign.
2007-03-11 19:56:16 · answer #3 · answered by richardwptljc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, it can be factored
x^2 - 7x - 8 = (x - 8)(x + 1)
Try guessing and checking to see if you can factor it.
2007-03-11 19:50:28 · answer #4 · answered by Asuu 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes
(x +1) (x -8)
2007-03-11 19:50:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
(x - 8)(x + 1)
2007-03-11 19:39:31 · answer #6 · answered by Joy M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
(x+1)(x-8)
2007-03-11 19:38:15 · answer #7 · answered by bksrbttr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋