Question

factor x^2+5x+4

Answer 1

\[(x+a)(x+b) = x^2 + ax + bx + ab = x^2 + (a+b)x + ab\]
Can you think of two numbers that would add to 5 and multiply to 4?

Answer 2

I'm confused

Answer 3

I think it's (x+4)(x+1)

Answer 4

thanks

Answer 5

If we can factor \[x^2 + 5x + 4\]we will get something like this:\[(x^2+5x+4)=(x+a)(x+b)\]
The values of a and b will be such that (a+b) = 5 and (a*b) = 4
a=1, b=4 is such a set.
\[(x+1)(x+4) = x^2+1x+4x+1*4 = x^5+5x+4\]

Answer 6

thank you