How do you factor x^2-2x-15=0x22x15=0 ?

1 Answer
Sep 17, 2016

(x-5)(x+3)(x5)(x+3)

Explanation:

x^2 -2x-15=0x22x15=0

Find factors of 15 which SUBTRACT (because of MINUS 15) to give 2.

rarrThe factor pairs of 15 are: 1xx15 and 3xx51×15and3×5

rarr 5-3 = 2" "rarr53=2 so 5 and 3 are the factors we need.

The signs in the brackets will be DIFFERENT (because of MINUS 15)
- there must be more negatives, because of MINUS 2.
rarr the bigger factor will be negative

(x-5)(x+3)(x5)(x+3)