Question

Factor this polynomial: x^2+12x+27

Answer 1

The correct answers you're for are (x+3)(x+9)

Answer 2

Pairs of factors of 27 could be 1 and 27, 3 and 9, 9 and 3, and so on.

Do 1 and 27 add up to 12? No, so reject possible factors (x+1)(x+27).

Do 3 and 9 add up to 12? Yes. Thus, the correct factors are (x+3)(x+9).