Question

juanita begins to factor an expression as shown.
$x^2 + 3x - 18 = (x + \square)(x - \square)$
what numbers should be placed in the boxes from left to right?
\bigcirc 3 and 6
\bigcirc 2 and 9
\bigcirc 6 and 3
\bigcirc 9 and 2

Explanation:

Step1: Identify target product and sum

We need two numbers that multiply to $-18$ (constant term) and add to $3$ (coefficient of $x$).

Step2: Test factor pairs of -18

Test pairs:

• $6$ and $-3$: $6 \times (-3) = -18$, $6 + (-3) = 3$

Step3: Match to factored form

The factored form is $(x + 6)(x - 3)$, so the left box is $6$, right box is $3$.

Answer:

6 and 3