Question

Y = x2 + 5x + 4

How do I factor

Answer 1

(x + 1) * (x + 4)

Explanation:

y = x² + 5x + 4

First, you multiply the first coefficient by the third coefficient: 4

Then you find all the factors of 4:

• 1, 4
• -1, -4
• 2, 2
• -2, -2

Of all these factors, you must find the pair that adds to 5 (the second coefficient)

Those factors are: 1 and 4

Then you put those into (x+_) and multiply them together:

( x + 1 ) * ( x + 4 )