Question

A student performed the following steps to find the solution to the equation

x2 - 2x - 8 = 0. Where did the student go wrong?
Step 1. Factor the polynomial into (x-4) and (x - 2)
Step 2. X-4 = 0 and x - 2 = 0
Step 3. x = 4 and x = 2
A. The student did not make any mistakes, the solution is correct
B. in Step 2
C. in Step 1
D. in Step 3

Answer 1

step 1, c

Explanation:

he was wrong in step 1.

when factoring out (x-4) and (x-2), you have to distribute x*x, x*-2, -4*x, and -4*-2

if you do it you get x^2 - 2x -4x + 8

the correct way to factor will be (x-4)(x+2)

when you factor out you will get the original equation you started with.