Question

Please help me with my math!

Answer 1

(x - 4) is a factor of x² - 6x + 8.

Explanation:

To factor a quadratic in the form ax² + bx + c, first find two numbers that multiply to ac and sum to b.

For the given quadratic, a = 1, b = -6 and c = 8. Therefore:

`\implies ac=1 \cdot 8=8`

`\implies b=-6`

Two numbers that multiply to 8 and sum to -6 are:

• -4 and -2

Rewrite b as the sum of these two numbers:

`\implies x^2-4x-2x+8`

Factor the first two terms and the last two terms separately:

`\implies x(x-4)-2(x-4)`

Factor out the common term (x - 4):

`\implies (x-2)(x-4)`

Therefore, (x - 4) is a factor of x² - 6x + 8.