x2 + 5x - 14
Select one of the factors of the quadratic expression.
A)(x+14)
B)(x+2)
C)(x+7)
D)(x-7)

Question

x2 + 5x - 14
Select one of the factors of the quadratic expression.
A)(x+14)	
B)(x+2)	
C)(x+7)	
D)(x-7)

blank · Answer

One of the factors I got was C. (x+7)

mathmale · Answer

This expression might be clearer for you and others if written in this manner:$$x^2 + 5x - 14$$

mathmale · Answer

To answer this question, you could either try dividing the given quadratic by each of the given possible factors.
But I'd suggest that you yourself try to factor $$x^2 + 5x - 14$$

solomonzelman · Answer

HANE, you can do it

What are 2 numbers that have:

a)  product of  -14   (meaning one of them is negative and the other positive)
b)  sum of a positive 5, (meaning that the (absolute value of the ) positive number is greater than the (absolute value of the ) negative number.

BOTH NUMBERS are ± factors of -14.

mathmale · Answer

Towards this end, ask yourself:  What are possible factors of -14?  Which two of them combine to give you +5x?

Alternatively, you could use synthetic division to determine which of the four given possible factors is correct.

blank · Answer

In simple terms, the full factor is:
(x + 7)(x - 2)

solomonzelman · Answer

yes, it is pretty simple, and even if it was hard, walphramalpha can factor anything that is factor-able, and even something that is un-factor-able ;)