factor the trinomial x^2-5x-6

Question

factor the trinomial

 

Answer 1

x^2-5x-6

Substitute x = -1 in given trinomial.

= (-1)^2-5(-1)-6

= 1+5-6

= 6-6

= 0

(x+1) is a factor.

Substitute x = 6 in given trynomial.

= 6^2-5(6)-6

= 36-30-6

= 36-36 = 0

(x-6) is a factor.

(x+1)(x-6) = x^2-5x-6

Answer 2

The trinomial x² - 5x - 6

Multiply first term x² and last term - 6 = -6x²

The correct pair of the terms -6x and x multiply to -6x² and add to -5x.

Replace the middle term - 5x with 6x + x.

= x² - 6x + x - 6

Group the terms into two pairs.

= (x² - 6x) + (x - 6)

Factor out x from the first group  and factor out 1 from the second group.

= x(x - 6) + 1(x - 6)

Factor out common term x - 6.

= (x - 6)(x + 1)

Factoring of x² - 5x - 6 =(x - 6)(x + 1).