Question

how do you form x2 − 7x + 6 to (x + a)(x + b)?

Answer 1

\[x^2-7x+6\]
that's your question right?

Answer 2

\[(x+a)(x+b)\\
= x(x+b)+a(x+b)\\
= x^2+bx+ax+ab\\
=x^2+(a+b)x+ab
\]

Answer 3

but then we also need to know all combinations of 6 and what sign patterns we need to make this true.

Answer 4

that's the longest reply I've ever seen so far... xD
anyway... not only do we need all combinations of 6, but the sign patterns are important too because based on what we are given, the middle number is negative.

Answer 5

In other words @leejee for your question $$x^2 − 7x + 6$$ab = 6
and
a + b = -7

Start by listing all the factors of 6

Answer 6

like what two numbers multiplied together produce the number 6