Question

question
factor.
$x^2 - 3x - 10$

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair summing to -3, product -10

We need two numbers: $2$ and $-5$, since $2 + (-5) = -3$ and $2 \times (-5) = -10$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the quadratic: $x^2 + 2x - 5x - 10$
Group and factor: $x(x+2) -5(x+2)$
Factor out common binomial: $(x+2)(x-5)$

Answer:

$(x + 2)(x - 5)$