Question

show work please: factor, 2x squared -18x -72

Answer 1

2x^2 - 18x - 72

First, pull the GCF out:

2(x^2 - 9x - 36)

Find two numbers that have a product of -32 and a sum of -9.

2(x^2 - 12x + 3x - 36)

2(x(x - 12) + 3 (x - 12))

2(x + 3)(x - 12)