Question

Factor the polynomial below. x^2-16x+63

A. (x − 9)(x − 7)
B. (x − 9)(x + 7)
C. (x + 9)(x − 7)
D. (x + 9)(x + 7)

Answer 1

(x-9) (x-7) is the correct answer so it’s A.

Answer 2

To factor the polynomial, we will begin by thinking about two numbers whose product is 63 and whose sum is -16.

These numbers are -9 and -7.

Factored expressions have this form:

(x + ___)(x + _____)

The numbers -9 and -7 go in the blanks.

(x - 9)(x - 7)

Answer:

(x - 9)(x - 7)