# Math Help - factoring

1. ## factoring

a. f(x) = x2-5x-14 b. f(x) = 9x2 -4
c. f(x) = 6x2 -x -12

factor the following

2. Originally Posted by william
a. f(x) = x2-5x-14 b. f(x) = 9x2 -4
c. f(x) = 6x2 -x -12

factor the following
You should know how to factor.
a)
$f(x)= x^2 - 5x - 14$
$f(x)= (x+7)(x-2)$
Find the two numbers that multiply to make -14 and add to get -5.

3. Originally Posted by william
a. f(x) = x2-5x-14 b. f(x) = 9x2 -4
c. f(x) = 6x2 -x -12

factor the following
b)
$f(x)= 9x^2 - 4$
$f(x)= (3x+2)(3x-2)$

This is known as a difference of squares when factoring. When both numbers can be square root to get an even number, it is a difference of squares, notice how the even square root is in both brackets, with opposite signs distributing to;
$f(x)= 9x^2 - 4$

4. Originally Posted by william
a. f(x) = x2-5x-14 b. f(x) = 9x2 -4
c. f(x) = 6x2 -x -12

factor the following
c.

$f(x)= 6x^2 - x - 12$
$f(x)= (2x-3)(3x+4)$

Again, simply find the numbers that multiply to -12 and add to -x. Always remember the last sign in the equation, it is very important. If it is negative, the signs will be difference in the set of brackets. If it is positive the signs will be the same, they will both be what the first sign is.

5. Originally Posted by euclid2
You should know how to factor.
a)
$f(x)= x^2 - 5x - 14$
$f(x)= (x{\color{red}+}7)(x{\color{red}-}2)$
Find the two numbers that multiply to make -14 and add to get -5.
Small mistakes in red. It should be $f(x)= (x{\color{red}-}7)(x{\color{red}+}2)$.

Small mistakes in red. It should be $f(x)= (x{\color{red}-}7)(x{\color{red}+}2)$.