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Factor the polynomial: b2−12b+36

User UrLicht
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1 Answer

7 votes
So to factor this, you have to realize a few factors.
•You have to find two numbers that multiply to make the last number (36) and add up to the second number (-12b).
•Since the last number in the equation (36) is positive, and the second number in the equation (-12b) is negative, you know that you will have to multiply two negative numbers to get 36, because the two numbers have to add to -12.

So when looking at factors of 36 -
1, 36
2, 18
3, 12
4, 9
6, 6

Looking here, 6 and 6 would be the most to be the answer.
You turn these negative and =

-6 x -6 = 36
-6 + -6 = -12

Answer: (x - 6) (x - 6) or (x - 6)^2
User Fadhlan
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