Question

factor the expression
$x^2 - 10x + 16$

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to \(16\) and add up to \(-10\). The numbers are \(-2\) and \(-8\) because \((-2)\times(-8) = 16\) and \((-2)+(-8)=-10\).

Step2: Factor the quadratic

Using the two numbers, we can factor \(x^{2}-10x + 16\) as \((x - 2)(x - 8)\).

Answer:

\((x - 2)(x - 8)\)