Is it possible to factor #y=x^2+9x-22 #? If so, what are the factors?

1 Answer
Feb 17, 2016

Yes, it is possible to factor this trinomial

Explanation:

When we want to factor trinomials of the form #y = ax^2 + bx + c, a = 1#, we must find two numbers that multiply to c and that add to b.

Two numbers that multiply to -22 and that add to 9 are #+11 and -2#.

#y = x^2 + 9x - 22 -> y = (x + 11)(x - 2)#

Practice exercises:

  1. Find out whether it is possible to factor the following trinomials. If so, factor them.

a) # y = x^2 + 5x + 4#

b) #y = x^2 + 4x + 5#

c) #y = x^2 - 4x - 5#

d) #y = x^2 + 4x - 5#

e) #y = x^2 + 10x + 25#

f) #y = x^2 + 10x - 25#

g) #y = x^2 - 10x + 25#

Good luck!