Question

Factor completely the polynomial. Indicate any that are not factorable using integers.
x 2 - 10x + 16

Answer 1

how do you determine the positive and negative once you've factored it? I feel like I keep getting it backward but I can't figure it out for sure.

Answer 2

find the factors of 16 that add to -10... they are both negative

hope that helps

Answer 3

so factor the whole number first then do the action of the middle part?

Answer 4

yes its always factor of the constant that add to the coefficient of the middle term.

That's provided the coefficient of x^2 is 1

and a few tips

middle term positive and constant positive, both factors are positive

middle +ve and constant -ve the larger factor is positive

middle -ve and constant -ve... the larger is negative

middle -ve and constant +ve both factors are negative.

hope this helps

Answer 5

constant is the whole number and then the factor is the middle one?

Answer 6

and larger as in which one?

Answer 7

well the constant is the number on its own.... and the factors of that number... should add to the middle term...

so what factors of 16 are you going to use..?

Answer 8

or you can use something call the diamond method