Question

When asked to factor the x^2 - 144, a student gives the answer (x - 12)(x - 12). What is the wrong with this answer? A. -1 is also a factor B. One of the minus signs should be a plus sign C. Both minus signs should be plus signs D. There is nothing wrong with the answer

Answer 1

B. One of the minus signs should be a plus sign

Explanation:

Answer 2

The answer is option B.

One of the minus signs should be a plus sign

Since x² - 144 is a difference of two squares it's written as

( x - 12)( x + 12) and not ( x - 12)(x - 12)

Hope this helps you