Question

Factorize each of the following algebraic expressions:

x² - 11x - 42

Answer 1

In order to factorize the given expression, we find to find two numbers p and q such that:

p + q = -11, pq = -42
Clearly,
3 – 14 = -11, 3 (-14) = -42
Therefore, split (-11x) as 3x – 14x
Therefore,
x² - 11x – 42 = x² + 3x – 14x – 42

= x (x + 3) – 14 (x + 3)

= (x – 14) (x + 3)