How do you factorise x squared - 5x - 6?

Answer 1

x^2 - 5x - 6

Since the coefficient of 'x^(2)' is '1' in this case. we look at the constant '6' .

So write down all the factors of 6' . They are 1,2,3,&6.

From these four number we select two numbers that add/subtract to '-

So if we say -6 + 1 = -5 5'. The coefficient of 'x'

Since 6 - 1 = 5 & 2 + 3 = 5 We need to think a little deeper. So we look at the mathemetical signs , which in this case are both negative (-).

Since the sign in front of the '6' is negative, this means that the signs in the brackets are different. NB If it was a possitive both the signs in brackets would be the same either both (+) or both (-).

So to have a '-5' we can say -6 + 1 = -5

So setting up the brackets

( x 6 )(x 1) So the signs will be

(x - 6)( x + 1)

Done!!!! Hope that helps!!!!

Answer 2

(x - 6)(x + 1)