factor
x^2-54x+144

Question

factor 
x^2-54x+144

anonymous · Answer

do u know the first step in factoring ?

anonymous · Answer

no.

anonymous · Answer

just cant figure out the right numbers

zepp · Answer

First you have to find what multiplied makes -54 and summed, 144+1

anonymous · Answer

(x-2.81)(x-51.19)

zepp · Answer

Sorry, made a mistake, you have to find what summed makes -54 and multiplied, 1 x 144

anonymous · Answer

r u alowed to use the calculator?

anonymous · Answer

are you sure it's not x^2-51x+144? That would be a lot more elegant

zepp · Answer

You can proceed by:
"you have to find what summed makes -54 and multiplied, 1 x 144"
Let's say the 1st number is x and the 2nd is y.
x * y = 144
x + y = -54

So, with substitution, -54-x = y, thus, x(-54-x) = 144
You'll end up with $$x ^{2}-54x-144=0$$

You'll find x and y with the quadratic formula and try to keep x and y fractional.