Question

Critique the reasoning of others. Sally states that the equation g(x) = x2 + 3x − 10 represents a quadratic function that is the product of the expressions that define the two linear functions a(x) = x + 2 and b(x) = x − 5. Is Sally correct? Explain.

Answer 1

Explanation:

No, not quite. She's close.

The middle term (often called the linear term) is + which means that the absolute value of the factors must be plus.

(x + 5)(x - 3) is what should should think.

x + 5 = 0

x = - 5

x + 2 = 0

x = - 2

(x + 5)(x - 2)

x^2 - 2x + 5x - 10

x^2 + 3x - 10