Question

What is the factored form of the polynomial?

x2 – 16x + 48

(x − 4)(x − 12)
(x − 6)(x − 8)
(x + 4)(x + 12)
(x + 6)(x + 8)

Answer 1

A. (x -4)(x -12)

Hope this helps! I'm doing it rn :>

Answer 2

(x -4)(x -12)

Explanation:

You can check by multiplying out the offered factors, or you can take advantage of your knowledge of the required relationships.

The coefficient of x is negative, so at least one of the binomial constants must be negative. The coefficient of the constant (48) is positive, so both binomial constants must have the same sign (negative). This eliminates the last two answer choices.

The sum of the binomial constants must be -16, eliminating the second answer choice and telling you that the first choice is the correct one:

x² -16x +48 = (x -4)(x -12)