Explain how to factor msquared -6m+8?

Answer 1

If we have m^2 + bm + c then we know it will factor to something that looks like
(m+x)(m+y).

When we expand that we get
m^2 +m(x+y) + xy so we know that b = x+y and c = xy

The approach here is to look at the -6 and the +8, and find two numbers that when multipled gives us 8, and when added give -6.

Since the sum is negative, and the proiduct is positive we know the two numbers are both negative.

Possible choices are:
-1 -8
-2 -4

When we add -1 and -8 we get -9 :( not -6
However, adding -2 and -4 we get -6 :)

This means our answer is (m-4)(m-2) :)

Answer 2

Find all the pairs of numbers that multiply to +8:
1,8
-1,-8
2,4
-2,-4

Look for the pair that adds to -6:
1+8=9
-1+-8=-9
2+4=6
-2+-4=-6 Use this pair.

Verify that (m-2)(m-4)=-6m²+8.

Answer 3

write down the factors of 8 then add

1,8- 1+8= 9
2,4- 2+4= 6
to get -6 use -2 and -4
So m^2 - 6m + 8 = (m-2)(m-4)

Answer 4

-6m+8=-2(3m-4)