Question

warm-up
factor the expression $x^2 + 4x - 12$.
enter the correct answer in the box.

Explanation:

Step1: Find two factors of -12

We need two numbers that multiply to $-12$ and add to $4$. These numbers are $6$ and $-2$, since $6 \times (-2) = -12$ and $6 + (-2) = 4$.

Step2: Rewrite the quadratic as factored form

Substitute the numbers into the factored structure $(x + a)(x + b)$ where $a$ and $b$ are the found factors.

Answer:

$(x + 6)(x - 2)$