Question

11) Factor the following polynomials: (5pts each) i) x^2 + 5x - 24 ii) 9x^2 - 12x+4 iii) 16x^2 -49

Answer 1

(i) The polynomials can be factored as,

`\begin{gathered} x^2-5x-24 \\ =x^2-8x+3x-24 \\ =x(x-8)+3(x-8) \\ =(x-8)(x+3) \end{gathered}`

(ii)

`\begin{gathered} 9x^2-12x+4 \\ =(3x)^2-2*(3x)*2+(2)^2 \\ =(3x-2)^2 \\ =(3x-2)(3x-2) \end{gathered}`

(iii)

`\begin{gathered} 16x^2-49 \\ =(4x)^2-(7)^2 \\ =(4x-7)(4x+7) \end{gathered}`