Question

Convert the function into intercept form. Show your work. y=x^2+5x-36

Answer 1

y = (x - 4)(x + 9).

Explanation:

Intercept form is y = a(x + b)(x + c)

y = x^2 + 5x - 36.

Here the coefficient of x^2 is 1 so a = 1.

To find b and c we need 2 numbers whose product is -36 and whose sum = +5. These are + 9 and - 4 so the answer is:

y = (x - 4)(x + 9).