Question

What is the factored form of x^2- x -2

(x-2)(x+1)

(x+2)(x+1)

(x-2)(x-1)

(x+2)(x-1)

Answer 1

(x+1)(x-2)

Explanation:

x^2-x-2

- 2

^

1 -2

(x+1)(x-2)

Answer 2

(x - 2)(x + 1)

Explanation:

Given

x² - x - 2

Consider the factors of the constant term (- 2) which sum to give the coefficient of the x- term (- 1)

The factors are - 2 and + 1, since

- 2 × 1 = - 2 and - 2 + 1 = - 1, thus

x² - x - 2 = (x - 2)(x + 1)