Question

Determine the factors of x2 − 8x − 12.

a. (x − 6)(x + 2)

b. (x + 3)(x − 4)

c. Prime

d. (x + 6)(x − 2)

Answer 1

C. Prime
Pretty sure its C because none of the other options factor to x^2-8x-12

Answer 2

The correct option is: c. Prime

Explanation:

The given expression is:
`x^2 -8x-12`

First we will take each given option and simplify them using FOIL method to see if we get the original given expression. So.....

`a.\ \ \ (x-6)(x+2)\\ \\ =x^2+2x-6x-12\\ \\ =x^2-4x-12\\ \\ \\ b.\ \ \ (x+3)(x-4)\\ \\ =x^2-4x+3x-12\\ \\ =x^2-x-12\\ \\ \\ d.\ \ \ (x+6)(x-2)\\ \\ =x^2-2x+6x-12\\ \\ =x^2+4x-12`

We can see that options
`a, b\ and\ d` doesn't give the original given expression.

So, the expression
`x^2 -8x-12` is Prime.