Question

factor
$k^2 - 2k - 24$
$(k + 4)(k - 6)$
$(k - 4)(k + 6)$
$(k + 4)(k + 6)$
$(k + 6)(k - 1)$

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair of factors for -24

We need two numbers that multiply to $-24$ and add to $-2$. The pair is $4$ and $-6$, since $4 \times (-6) = -24$ and $4 + (-6) = -2$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the quadratic: $k^2 + 4k - 6k - 24$
Group and factor: $k(k+4) - 6(k+4) = (k+4)(k-6)$

Answer:

A. $(k+4)(k-6)$