Question

How do you write the expression x2 + 7x + 12 as a product of two linear expressions?

Answer 1

the answer is (x+3)(x+4) but its hard to explain how

Answer 2

Ok can you explain the first step?

Answer 3

you have to find numbers which add together to make 7 and times together to get 12

Answer 4

oh ok so that would be 3 and 4.

Answer 5

yes, then by looking at the sign (+/-) of the last number (+12) you can say that both the 3 and 4 must be positive

Answer 6

ok so it would look like this x2 +3x+4x+12

Answer 7

when multiplying out the brackets yes

Answer 8

ok i think i get it now thank you:)

Answer 9

np, i love algebra