Question

finding the factors of a trinomial
what are the factors of ( x^2 - 4x - 5 )? check all that apply.
( square x - 5 )
( square x - 2 )
( square x - 1 )
( square x + 1 )
( square x + 2 )
( square x + 5 )

Explanation:

Step1: Identify trinomial form

We have $x^2 - 4x - 5$, which follows $x^2+bx+c$.

Step2: Find pair of factors

Find two numbers that multiply to $-5$ and add to $-4$. The numbers are $-5$ and $+1$, since $(-5)\times(1)=-5$ and $(-5)+(1)=-4$.

Step3: Write factored form

Substitute the numbers into binomial factors: $(x-5)(x+1)$

Step4: Match with options

Compare the factors to the given options.

Answer:

$x-5$, $x+1$