Question

factor trinomials (a=1)
score: 1/12 penalty: none
question
factor.
$x^2 - 7x - 18$

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair of factors of -18

We need two numbers that multiply to $-18$ and add to $-7$. These numbers are $-9$ and $2$, since $(-9) \times 2 = -18$ and $(-9) + 2 = -7$.

Step2: Rewrite trinomial as factored form

Substitute the pair into the factored structure $(x + m)(x + n)$ where $m$ and $n$ are the found factors.

Answer:

$(x - 9)(x + 2)$