Question

question
factor.
$x^2 - 9x + 18$
answer attempt 1 out of 2

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair summing to -9, product 18

We need two numbers that add to $-9$ and multiply to $18$. These numbers are $-3$ and $-6$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the quadratic as $x^2 - 3x - 6x + 18$, then group and factor:

$$\begin{align*} x^2 - 3x - 6x + 18 &= x(x - 3) - 6(x - 3) \\ &= (x - 3)(x - 6) \end{align*}$$

Answer:

$(x - 3)(x - 6)$