Question

factor.
$j^2 - 10j - 11$

Explanation:

Step1: Find two factors of -11

We need two numbers that multiply to $-11$ and add to $-10$. These numbers are $-11$ and $1$, since $(-11) \times 1 = -11$ and $(-11) + 1 = -10$.

Step2: Factor the quadratic expression

Rewrite the quadratic using the two factors, then factor by grouping:

$$\begin{align*} j^2 - 10j - 11 &= j^2 - 11j + j - 11 \\ &= j(j - 11) + 1(j - 11) \\ &= (j - 11)(j + 1) \end{align*}$$

Answer:

$(j - 11)(j + 1)$