Question

factor.
$x^2 + 8x - 20$

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair of factors of -20

We need two numbers that multiply to $-20$ and add to $8$. These numbers are $10$ and $-2$.

Step2: Split the middle term

Rewrite $8x$ as $10x - 2x$:
$x^2 + 10x - 2x - 20$

Step3: Factor by grouping

Group terms and factor out common factors:
$(x^2 + 10x) + (-2x - 20) = x(x + 10) - 2(x + 10)$

Step4: Factor out common binomial

Factor out $(x + 10)$ from both terms:
$(x + 10)(x - 2)$

Answer:

$(x + 10)(x - 2)$