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Which choice shows the expression x2−6x+8 in factored form?

a)(x+2)(x+4)
b)(x−8)(x−1)
c)(x−4)(x−2)
d)(x+1)(x−7)

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

C, (x - 4)(x - 2)

Explanation:

to factor x² - 6x + 8, you need to find 2 numbers that multiplied together are equal to 8 and added together that are equal to -6

we can already eliminate answers B and D, since B added together does not equal -6, and D multiplied together does not equal 8

we are left with choices A and C

in order to get a positive 8 through multiplication, we need either two positive numbers, or two negative numbers

to get a -6 through addition, we need negative numbers

lets test (x - 4)(x- 2) to see if this works in the equation, we can use FOIL to expand the equation and we get:

x² -4x - 2x + 8

x² -6x + 8

our answer would be C, (x-4)(x-2)

User Rahul Satal
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