Question

question
factor.
$x^2 - 10x + 9$

Explanation:

Step1: Find two terms for splitting

We need two numbers that multiply to $9$ and add to $-10$. These numbers are $-1$ and $-9$.
Rewrite the middle term:
$x^2 - x - 9x + 9$

Step2: Group and factor pairs

Group the first two and last two terms:
$(x^2 - x) + (-9x + 9)$
Factor out common terms from each group:
$x(x - 1) - 9(x - 1)$

Step3: Factor out common binomial

Factor out $(x - 1)$ from both terms:
$(x - 1)(x - 9)$

Answer:

$(x - 1)(x - 9)$