Question

Please I have been asked to factor:
x^2 -8x -16

Answer 1

Answer: unfactorable

Step-by-step explanation: To factor x² - 8x - 16, we set up our two binomials with x and x as the first position in each binomial.

To fill the second position, we want to

look for factors of -16 that add to -8.

Factors of -16

+16 · -1

-16 · +1

+8 · -2

-8 · + 2

+4 · -4

So what pair of factors add to -16.

Well, none of them do.

When that happens, we say that the original

trinomial is unfactorable and that's your answer.

Answer 2

It's unfactorable

Explanation:

x² - 8x - 16 is already in its simplest form. You cannot take GCF or x out. Also, nothing multiplies to -16 and adds up to -8.