Question

Write the quadratic equation in general form and then choose the value of "b."

(2x - 1)(x + 6) = 0

a.-4
b.11
c.12

Answer 1

The answer is b. 11.

You can find this by multiplying the two parenthesis together. In order to do this, you can use a multiplying process known as FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last), where you multiply parts of the parenthesis in this order to make sure you do so properly.

First Numbers:
2x * x = 2x^2

Outer Numbers:
2x * 6 = 12x

Inner Numbers:
-1 * x = -1x

Last Numbers:
-1*6 = -6

Now place them all in that order and simplify.
2x^2 + 12x - x - 6 ---> simplify x terms
2x^2 + 11x - 6

Since the middle term (the one with the x value) has a coefficient of 11, that gives us a b value of 11.