Question

What is the missing number that will complete the factorization? a2 + 8a + 12 = (a + 2)(a + )

Answer 1

It is 6. I found this by diving 12 by 2 because 2 and the missing number need to have a product of 12. Here's the proof if you want it!

(a+2)(a+6)

a^2 + 2a + 6a + 12

a^2 + 8a + 12

Answer 2

The missing number that will complete the factorization is 6 .

Explanation:

Given : Polynomial
`a^2+8a+12`

We have to factorize the given Polynomial
`a^2+8a+12` and complete the given factorization.

Consider the given Polynomial
`a^2+8a+12`

Simplifying using middle term splitting method,

Writing 8a as the sum of two terms such that the product of these term is the product of remaining two terms.

8a can be written as 2a + 6a

We get,

`a^2+8a+12` as
`a^2+2a+6a+12`

Taking a common from first two term and 6 common from last two terms, we have,

`a^2+2a+6a+12=a(a+2)+6(a+2)`

Simplifying, we get,

`a(a+2)+6(a+2)=(a+6)(a+2)`

Thus, the missing number that will complete the factorization is 6 .