Question

Solve the quadratic equation b^(2)-2b-8=0 by factoring.

Answer 1

b=4 or b=-2. Either on works

Explanation:

Using these numbers, we can rewrite the equation as (b-4)(b+2)=0 and solve for b, giving us b=4 or b=-2.

Answer 2

The factors of -8 that satisfy this condition are -4 and +2. We can rewrite the equation as follows:

b^2 - 4b + 2b - 8 = 0

Now, we group the terms and factor by grouping:

(b^2 - 4b) + (2b - 8) = 0

b(b - 4) + 2(b - 4) = 0

Now, we can see that we have a common factor of (b - 4):

(b + 2)(b - 4) = 0

Now, we set each factor equal to zero:

b + 2 = 0 or b - 4 = 0

Solving these equations, we find:

b = -2 or b = 4

When solved, the solutions to the quadratic equation b^2 - 2b - 8 = 0 are b = -2 and b = 4.