Final answer:
To factor the trinomial X² - 9X + 20, we need to find two numbers that multiply to 20 and add up to -9, which are -4 and -5. The factors of the trinomial are (X - 4) and (X - 5).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves factoring a trinomial in algebra. Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into products of simpler expressions. In this case, we want to factor the trinomial X² - 9X + 20.
To factor this trinomial, we are looking for two numbers that multiply to give us the constant term, 20, and also add up to give us the coefficient of the middle term, -9. The numbers that fit this requirement are -4 and -5, because (-4) * (-5) = 20 and (-4) + (-5) = -9. Therefore, the factors of the trinomial X² - 9X + 20 are (X - 4) and (X - 5).
When solving any equation, we typically hold variables constant while looking at each term or factor one by one, which helps in simplifying complex expressions or solving equations step-by-step.