Question

factor the trinomial x^2+4x-12. write each factor as a polynomial in descending order

Answer 1

We need something like $$(x + a)(x + b)\text{, where ab=-12 and a+b=4} $$

Answer 2

$$\tt\\
\text{The factors of -12 are -12*1, -3*4,4*-3,-2*6,-6*2} \\
\text{ Which two factors of -12 add to give 4}$$

Answer 3

$$
\tt
\text{Those will be your a and b}
$$