Question

Factor the following
a^2-3a-4

Answer 1

(a+1)(a-4)
a^2 +a -4a -4
a^2-3a-4

Answer 2

Explanation:

a² - 3a - 4

Sum = -3

Product = -4

Factors = -4 , 1

a² - 3a - 4 = a² + a - 4a - 4*1

=a(a +1) - 4(a + 1)

= (a +1)(a - 4)