Question

factor.
$h^2 - 12h - 13$

Explanation:

Step1: Find two factors of -13

We need two numbers that multiply to $-13$ and add to $-12$. These numbers are $-13$ and $1$, since $(-13) \times 1 = -13$ and $(-13) + 1 = -12$.

Step2: Rewrite as factored binomials

Use the two numbers to write the quadratic as a product of two binomials.
$h^2 -12h -13=(h - 13)(h + 1)$

Answer:

$(h - 13)(h + 1)$