Question

What is the factor of
x^2-4x-5

Answer 1

(x - 5)(x + 1)

Explanation:

Use the sum product pattern:

x^2 - 4x - 5

x^2 + x - 5x - 5

Common factor from the two pairs:

(x^2 + x) + (5x - 5)

x(x + 1) - 5(x + 1)

Rewrite in factored form:

x(x + 1) - 5(x + 1)

(x - 5)(x + 1)