Question

Need help in explaining a problem please!

Write the expression x2 - 18x + 45 as a product of two linear expressions. Show your work and justify each step.

Answer 1

what does "as a product of two linear expressions" means?

Answer 2

basically they want you to factor

Answer 3

you need to find two numbers that multiply to 45 and add to -18

Answer 4

as in (x+9)(x+10) example*

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

15 and -3?

Answer 7

x+9 and x+10 are linear expressions

when we say (x+9)(x+10), we're multiplying those two linear expressions

Answer 8

15 times -3 = -45

15 plus -3 = 12

Answer 9

so would i leave my answer as x=9 and x=10 or (x-9)(x-10)?

Answer 10

as an example, that answer is not right

Answer 11

(x+9)(x+10) is just the example though

Answer 12

don't worry about it

Answer 13

when you wrote "15 and -3?" you were close

Answer 14

-15 and -3?

Answer 15

yes

-15 times -3 = 45

-15 plus -3 = -18

Answer 16

so it factors to (x-15)(x-3)

Answer 17

so now it becomes a 4th term poly right?

Answer 18

no

Answer 19

the degree of this polynomial is 2

Answer 20

i mean, a poly with 4 terms x2 - 15x -3x + 45

Answer 21

oh gotcha

Answer 22

yes, then the -15x - 3x turns into -18x

Answer 23

term not degree lol its fine

Answer 24

i see

Answer 25

both -15 and -3 have the x variable?

Answer 26

they are coefficients to the x terms, yes

Answer 27

im taking this test late and the info kinda froze, needed a refresh

Answer 28

thank you!