Question

factor. \\( j^2 - 2j - 15 \\)

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to -15 and add up to -2. The numbers are -5 and 3 since \((-5)\times3 = -15\) and \(-5 + 3=-2\).

Step2: Factor the quadratic

Using the numbers from Step 1, we can factor \(j^{2}-2j - 15\) as \((j - 5)(j+ 3)\).

Answer:

\((j - 5)(j + 3)\)