Question

James factored x^2−14x+48 and found the answer to be (x - 6) (x + 8). Is James correct? Explain

Answer 1

Explanation:

`\sf \twoheadrightarrow \: {x}^(2) - 14x + 48 = 0 \\\sf \twoheadrightarrow {x}^(2) - 6x - 8x + 48 = 0 \\ \sf \twoheadrightarrow x(x - 6) - 8(x - 6) = 0 \\ \sf \twoheadrightarrow (x - 6)(x - 8) = 0 \\ \bf \twoheadrightarrow x = 6 \: or \: x = 8`

Answer 2

Explanation:

Perform the actual multiplication required by this guy's factors:

(x - 6)(x + 8) = x^2 - 6x + 8x - 48, or x^2 + 2x - 48. This does NOT match the given quadratic x^2 - 14x + 48. No, James is not right.