Question

question
factor.
$x^{2}+6x-16$
answer attempt 1 out of 3

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair of factors of -16

We need two numbers that multiply to $-16$ and add to $6$. The numbers are $8$ and $-2$, since $8 \times (-2) = -16$ and $8 + (-2) = 6$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the quadratic using the pair, then factor by grouping:

$$\begin{align*} x^2 + 6x - 16 &= x^2 + 8x - 2x - 16 \\ &= x(x + 8) - 2(x + 8) \\ &= (x + 8)(x - 2) \end{align*}$$

Answer:

$(x + 8)(x - 2)$