Question

Select the correct answer.

Sharl started to use the grouping method to factor the expression x2 + 5x - 84 as shown.
x2 + 5x - 84
x2 + 12x - 7x - 84
Which expression could be the next step in completely factoring the expression?
OA. x(x+12) - 7(x+12)
B. (x-12)+7(x - 12)
OC. (x + 12 - 7) - 84
OD. x + 12x + 7(x - 12)

Answer 1

A.
`x(x+12) -7(x+12)`

Explanation:

Factoring is the process of taking common terms out of an expression such that one can represent the expression as the result of smaller values. When given the following expression:

`x^2 +5x - 84`

First, represent the linear term as the sum of two terms such that each term shares a common factor with the other terms in the expression.

`x^2 +12x - 7x - 84`

Now take out the common factors,

`x(x+12) -7(x+12)`

Thus, the correct option is choice (A).