Factor Completely?

Question

If you believe that a polynomial is not factorable, label it as prime. Show all stages of factoring separately (i.e., show the result of factoring out a GCF before taking the resulting polynomial and factoring it again

x^2 – 7x – 8

Answer 1

There isn't a GCF, so you can't do that.
First you start off in the standard form you basically have currently:

x^2 - 7x - 8

My teacher would often use the guess and check methods, which the possible ones are currently 8 and 1 or 4 and 2.

You know that 4+2 is impossible to get to - 7, so use 8 and 1.
Your solution is: (x - 8)(x+1)

There is no other easier step, unless you show you guess and trial errors. (Also, you can check to see if this is true by using the FOIL method.)

Answer 2

Ok so this polynomial can still be factored. You have to think of two numbers that multiplied will equal -8 and add up to -7. I learned to make a factor box but thats kinda complicated to show. so this can be factored into (x-8) (x+1). And you can use F.O.I.L (First Outside Inside Last) to make sure it comes out ot what you started with. so you get x^2 -8 -8x+x add like terms and you come up with what you started with.

Answer 3

When factoring this problem out you want to do two things. First you want to look at the last number of your equation and figure out what numbers you can multiply to get that exact number along with the sign that it has in the problem. For example in this problem it is a -8. Second you want to look at the middle term and figure out what two numbers you can multiply to give you the last number in the equation, BUT when you add those two numbers will also give you the middle term along with its proper sign. In this case you can multiply -8 times 1 and when you add those two numbers they will also give you negative 7 which is what you want. The rest is a piece of cake. The answer is :

(x-8)(x+1) , These two equations when distributed will give you x^2 - 7x -8. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

in order to factor we know that the middle term must be made through the addition or subtraction of the factors of the last term.
so what are factors of 8?
2 and 4... nope no way to make 7
1 and 8. yes.
now it is a negative 7 which means we'll need to make it a negative 8 and a positive one.
therefore your answer is (x-8) (x+1)

Answer 5

The factors are (x-8)(x+1).

Answer 6

Prime.

There isn't a greatest common factor between 7 and 8.

Answer 7

This is the answer.

(x+1)(x-8)

=] Hope I helped.

Answer 8

this problem is factorable

answer:

(x-8)(x+1)

when multiplied using FOIL...u get x^2 – 7x – 8