To factor a trinomial with a leading coefficient of 1, we need to find two numbers whose product is the independent term. x2−7x−8 In this case, we have that the constant term is -8. This is a negative number, so for a product to be negative, the factors must have opposite signs (one positive and one negative).
Factor Constants | Product of Constants |
---|---|
1 and -8 | -8 |
-1 and 8 | -8 |
2 and -4 | -8 |
-2 and 4 | -8 |
Next, let's consider the coefficient of the linear term. x2−7x−8 In this case, since the linear coefficient is -7, we need the sum of the factors to be -7.
Factors | Sum of Factors |
---|---|
1 and -8 | -7 |
-1 and 8 | 7 |
2 and -4 | -2 |
-2 and 4 | 2 |