Question

factor trinomials (a=1)
question
factor.
$x^2 - 5x - 14$
answer attempt 1 out of 2

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair for -5, -14

We need two numbers that multiply to $-14$ and add to $-5$. These numbers are $-7$ and $2$, since $(-7)\times2=-14$ and $-7+2=-5$.

Step2: Split middle term

Rewrite the trinomial:
$x^2 -7x +2x -14$

Step3: Factor by grouping

Group terms and factor GCF:
$x(x-7)+2(x-7)$

Step4: Factor out common binomial

Extract $(x-7)$:
$(x-7)(x+2)$

Answer:

$(x-7)(x+2)$