What is a factor of x² 2x - 24?

Answer 1

If it is x² + 2x - 24, then

x² + 2x - 24 = (x + 6)(x - 4), since 6(-4) = 24 and 6 + (-4) = 2

If it is x² - 2x - 24, then

x² - 2x - 24 = (x - 6)(x + 4), since (-6)(4) = 24 and -6 + 4 = -2

If it is x2 = 2x - 24, then

x² = 2x - 24

x² - 2x + 24 = 0

Using the Quadratic Formula:

-b ± √b²-4ac

2a

=2 ± √(-2)²-4(24)

2

=2 ± √4-96

2

=2 ± √-92

2

You cannot take the square root of a negative number, therefore x² = 2x - 24 is unfactorable.