Alyssa gave the following explanation for factoring the trinomial x2 – 3x – 4: “I need to find factors of –4 that add to –3. 4 and –1 multiplies to –4 and adds to –3 so my factors are (x + 4)(x – 1).”

Part 1: Are Alyssa’s factors correct? If not, explain where she made her mistake. (2 points)

Part 2: What could Alyssa have done to check the accuracy of her factors before submitting her test? (2 points)

Question

Alyssa gave the following explanation for factoring the trinomial x2 – 3x – 4: “I need to find factors of –4 that add to –3. 4 and –1 multiplies to –4 and adds to –3 so my factors are (x + 4)(x – 1).”

Part 1: Are Alyssa’s factors correct? If not, explain where she made her mistake. (2 points)

Part 2: What could Alyssa have done to check the accuracy of her factors before submitting her test? (2 points)

hero · Answer

1. No. The factors are (x-4)(x+1)
2. She could have multiplied the binomials to see if it comes out to the original trinomial

anonymous · Answer

Bro.