Question

what is the first step in factoring this problem? $x^2+x-6$
options:
add the factors of -6
multiply
list the factors of -6

Explanation:

Step1: Recall trinomial factoring steps

For factoring $x^2+bx+c$, first identify $c=-6$.

Step2: Match to given options

The first step is to list factors of $c=-6$ to find a pair that sums to $b=1$.

Answer:

List the factors of -6