Question

question
factor.
x^{2}-2x - 15

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to - 15 and add up to - 2. The numbers are - 5 and 3 since $(-5)\times3=-15$ and $-5 + 3=-2$.

Step2: Rewrite the middle - term

Rewrite $x^{2}-2x - 15$ as $x^{2}-5x+3x - 15$.

Step3: Group the terms

Group the terms: $(x^{2}-5x)+(3x - 15)$.

Step4: Factor out the GCF from each group

Factor out the GCF from each group. From $x^{2}-5x$, the GCF is $x$, so we get $x(x - 5)$. From $3x - 15$, the GCF is 3, so we get $3(x - 5)$.

Step5: Factor out the common binomial factor

We have $x(x - 5)+3(x - 5)=(x - 5)(x + 3)$.

Answer:

$(x - 5)(x + 3)$