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

Question

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

usukidoll · Answer

$$x^2-7x+6$$ 
that's your question right?

unklerhaukus · Answer

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

usukidoll · Answer

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

usukidoll · Answer

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.

skullpatrol · Answer

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

usukidoll · Answer

like what two numbers multiplied together produce the number 6