Factoring, could I get an example?

[moronatmath]

Can someone please give me a link of a similar problem?
Solve the equation x^2 - 4 x - 12 =0 by factoring.


I remember that I need to do something with

1 , 4 , and -12. I don't remember how to factor What a shame. If I could get a hint or something I am sure it would help major.

 

[pka]

Try to arrange 2 & 6.

 

[moronatmath]

ok do I solve for both x and y?

not sure where 2 start it out?

 

[pka]

(−6)(2)=?
(−6)+(2)=?
(x−6)(x+2)=?

 

[moronatmath]

(−6)(4)=-24
(−6)+(4)=-2
(x−6)(x+4)=?


Im sorry but Im still confused?

 

[moronatmath]

ok so x=-6, x=4 and y=-12

So how would I set up a solution?

 

[TchrQbic]

Can someone please give me a link of a similar problem?
Solve the equation x^2 - 4 x - 12 =0 by factoring.


I remember that I need to do something with

1 , 4 , and -12. I don't remember how to factor What a shame. If I could get a hint or something I am sure it would help major.

x² - 4x - 12 is a trinomial. When asked to factor it, you're asked to 'split' it into two (or more) factors that will multiply together to equal x²-4x-12. We want factors that look like (a + b)(c + d).

a times c has to equal the first term, x².

b times d has to equal the last term, -12.

a times d PLUS b times c have to ADD UP to -4x.

You can probably see that x times x = x², so a is x and c is x.
(x )(x )

The numbers for b and d have to multiply to -12. They could be -12 and 1, or 12 and -1; or maybe they're 6 and -2, or -6 and 2; or even 4 and -3, or -4 and 3.

b and d ALSO have to ADD UP to -4, the coefficient in the middle term. Which pair of numbers in the list both multiplies to -12 and adds to -4?

Put those numbers in for b and d.

(x - 6)(x+2) Do these multiply to x² - 4x - 12? If so, you've factored it correctly.