Question

Factor completely the given polynomial

x(x + 20) + 11(x + 20)

x(x + 20) + 11(x + 20)=

Answer 1

(x + 20)(x + 11)

Explanation:

x(x + 20) + 11(x + 20) =

Factor out the common factor of x + 20.

= (x + 20)(x + 11)

The binomials make it look complicated, but this is simpler than you think.

Look at this simpler, but similar, example.

Factor xy + 4y

xy + 4y =

You see clearly that y is a common factor, so you factor out y, and you get

= y(x + 4)

In your problem, you have

x(x + 20) + 11(x + 20) =

where (x + 20) is the common factor.

You factor out the common factor, (x + 20). What is left? x + 11 as a factor, so you get

(x + 20)(x + 11)