x^2-x-12

To factorize this you need to find two numbers that have a sum of -1 and a product of -12. Start y finding the pairs of numbers the times to make -12; (-1,12), (-2,6), (-3,4), (1,-12), (3,-4), (2,-6). Next you need to see which of these combinations also add to -1. The only pair that does is (3,-4). Therefore the two numbers are 3 and -4.Therefore, x2-x-12 = (x+3)(x-4). You can then check your answer by expanding the brackets and seeing if you got the right quadratic. (x+3)(x-4) = x2+3x-4x-12 = x2-x-12.

Answered by Gemma S. Maths tutor

1586 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 3x+5y=7, 2x-3y=11


Write √ 45 in the form a √ 5, where a is an integer.


The value of a new car is £18000. The value of the car decreases by 25% in the first year, and 12% in each of the next 4 years. Work out the value of the car after 5 years.


Change of subject question. Make 'a' the subject of the formula v = u + at.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy