Question

question
factor.
$x^2 + 2x - 24$

Explanation:

Step1: Find pair of factors of -24

We need two numbers that multiply to $-24$ and add to $2$. The pair is $6$ and $-4$, since $6 \times (-4) = -24$ and $6 + (-4) = 2$.

Step2: Split middle term and factor

Rewrite the quadratic using the factor pair, then factor by grouping:

$$\begin{align*} x^2 + 2x - 24 &= x^2 + 6x - 4x - 24 \\ &= x(x + 6) - 4(x + 6) \\ &= (x + 6)(x - 4) \end{align*}$$

Answer:

$(x + 6)(x - 4)$