The architect must factor several trinomials the are of the form x2- mx + n, where m & n are whole numbers greater than zero. She wonders if any of these trinomials factor as (x+a)(x+b), where a 0 and b

Question

The architect must factor several trinomials the are of the form x2- mx + n, where m & n are whole numbers greater than zero. She wonders if any of these trinomials factor as (x+a)(x+b), where a > 0 and b < 0. Is this possible? Why or why not?

Thank you

anonymous · Answer

@mathslover  @mathlover2014

kainui · Answer

Multiply out (x+a)(x+b) and see what you get. Compare it to x^2-mx+n. Does it match based on what a, b, m, and n are allowed to be based on those equalities given?

kainui · Answer

You need to show some effort here, I'm not seeing it.

anonymous · Answer

Because I'm not seeing what you are talking about. Do I plug in 0 for a and b?

kainui · Answer

Nope, just multiply out (x+a)(x+b).

anonymous · Answer

How do I multiply out? FOIL would only expand it.