how do I factor x^+5X+4?

Keenan

Hi Keenan,

Do you mean x² + 5x + 4?

If so then the coefficient of x² is 1 so I know the factors will look like

(x    )(x    )

Also all the terms are positive so I know the factors will look like

(x +   )(x +   )

The constant term is 4 which can be factored two ways

4 = 4 1 and 4 = 2 2

Thus if x² + 5x + 4 factors it is either

(x + 4)(x + 1) or (x + 2)(x + 2)

Penny

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