Question

question
factor
$x^{2}+2x - 8$

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to -8 and add up to 2. The numbers are 4 and -2 since $4\times(- 2)=-8$ and $4+( - 2)=2$.

Step2: Rewrite the middle term

Rewrite $2x$ as $4x-2x$. So $x^{2}+2x - 8=x^{2}+4x-2x - 8$.

Step3: Group the terms

Group the terms: $(x^{2}+4x)+(-2x - 8)$.

Step4: Factor out the greatest - common factor from each group

From the first group $x^{2}+4x$, the GCF is $x$, so we get $x(x + 4)$. From the second group $-2x - 8$, the GCF is -2, so we get $-2(x + 4)$.

Step5: Factor out the common binomial factor

We have $x(x + 4)-2(x + 4)=(x + 4)(x-2)$.

Answer:

$(x + 4)(x - 2)$