X squared minus 18x minus 144 equals 0. Solve by factoring.

Question

Mathematics

Joyce Walsh

7 August, 06:29

X squared minus 18x minus 144 equals 0. Solve by factoring.

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Answers (1)

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Conner Dean · Answer 1

Answer got deleted because I have to explain it better, which I will kindly do.

(x^2 - 18x - 144) = 0

What two factors add up to equal - 18 AND multiply to equal - 144?

For a product to be a negative, one of the factors have to be a positive, and the other has to be a negative (positive times a negative equals a negative).

And now that we know that, we know that the negative number has to be larger than the positive because of the - 18.

What two factors add up to equal - 18 AND multiply to equal - 144?

Negative 24 and positive 6.

(x - 24) (x + 6)