Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair with product -2, sum -1

We need two numbers that multiply to $-2$ and add to $-1$. These numbers are $-2$ and $1$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the quadratic as $x^2 - 2x + x - 2$, then group and factor:

$$\begin{align} x^2 - 2x + x - 2 &= x(x-2) + 1(x-2) \\ &= (x-2)(x+1) \end{align}$$

Answer:

$(x-2)(x+1)$