Question

Factor this trinomial.

x2 + 3x - 4

Answer 1

\[x ^{2}+4x-x+4\]

Answer 2

= (x + 4)(x - 1)

Answer 3

Think of what 2 numbers multiply to (-4) and add to (+3)

Answer 4

That's right.

Answer 5

\[x(x+4)-1(x+4)\]
\[(x+4)(x-1)\]

Answer 6

4 has factors 1,2,2.

now 1 - 2*2 can be written as '-3'

so split the middle term '-3x' as 'x - 4x' --- then take common and proceed.