Question

Select the correct answer. What is the factored form of this expression? x2 − 12x + 36 A. (x − 6)2 B. (x − 6)(x + 6) C. (x + 6)2 D. (x − 12)(x − 3)

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

x² - 12x + 36

consider the factors of the constant term (+ 36) which sum to give the coefficient of the x- term (- 12)

the factors are - 6 and - 6 , since

- 6 × - 6 = + 36 and - 6 - 6 = - 12 , then

x² - 12x + 36

= (x - 6)(x - 6)

= (x - 6)²