Identify the value of c, and find the sum of its factors.
- 15, - 9, 9, 15
Practice makes perfect
We want to find the possible k-values so that the given expression can be factored using integers.
x^2+kx+ 14
In this trinomial, c= 14. Since c is positive and there is no restriction for the value of k, we need to find two factors with the same sign and a product of 14. Let's list these factors of 14 and find their sum.
c|c
Factors & Sum of
of 14 & Factors [0.4em] [-0.6em]
- 14, - 1 & - 15
- 2, - 7 & - 9
2, 7 & 9
1, 14 & 15
When k is - 15, - 9, 9, or 15, the expression can be factored.
