factor completely

[Chocolate]

show work where necessary:

Q: x^2-13x-48

A: P=-48 S=-13 (-16, 3) and what would be the next step?

 

[Erik_D]

The two numbers that add up to -13 and multiply to get -48 ARE -16 and 3.
Because there is no number (other than 1) in front of x^2, all you have to do is write:
(x+ one value) (x+the other)

So, you have (x+(-16))(x+3)
or (x-16)(x+3).

 

[Chocolate]

Thanks! but this problem has a number other than a one in front, so what do i do now?:

Q: 12a^2-4a-5

A: P= -60 S=-4 (-10, 6) what's next?