Question

or trinomials (a=1)
this is the only question in this section.
question
factor.
$x^2 - 3x - 10$

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair summing to -3, product -10

We need two numbers that add to $-3$ and multiply to $-10$. These numbers are $-5$ and $2$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the trinomial using the pair, then factor by grouping:
$x^2 - 5x + 2x - 10 = x(x-5) + 2(x-5) = (x-5)(x+2)$

Answer:

$(x - 5)(x + 2)$