Question

question
factor.
$x^2 - 3x - 18$
answer attempt 1 out of 3

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair for sum -3, product -18

We need two numbers that add to $-3$ and multiply to $-18$. The numbers are $3$ and $-6$, since $3 + (-6) = -3$ and $3 \times (-6) = -18$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the quadratic:
$x^2 + 3x - 6x - 18$
Group and factor:
$x(x + 3) - 6(x + 3)$
Factor out $(x + 3)$:
$(x + 3)(x - 6)$

Answer:

$(x + 3)(x - 6)$