Let's factor x2−25
x2−25
The middle number is 0 and the last number is -25.
Factoring means we want something like
(x+_)(x+_)
Which numbers go in the blanks?
We need two numbers that...
Add together to get 0
Multiply together to get -25
Can you think of the two numbers?
Try 5 and -5:
5+-5 = 0
5*-5 = -25
Fill in the blanks in
(x+_)(x+_)
with 5 and -5 to get...
(x+5)(x-5)
Answer:
(x+5)(x−5)
