Solve (x-?)(x+?) = x²+x-12: Find the Missing Numbers in Factored Form

Question

(x?)(x+?)=x2+x12 (x-?)(x+?)=x^2+x-12

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine two numbers whose product is 12-12 (the constant term) and whose sum is 11 (the coefficient of xx).
  • Step 2: Verify these numbers are 3-3 and 44. Since (3)×4=12(-3) \times 4 = -12 and (3)+4=1(-3) + 4 = 1, both conditions are met.
  • Step 3: Substitute these numbers into the expression (x?)(x+?)(x-?)(x+?) to get (x3)(x+4)(x-3)(x+4).
  • Step 4: Double-check the factorization by expanding (x3)(x+4)(x-3)(x+4) to ensure it results in x2+x12x^2 + x - 12.

Therefore, the factorized form of the given quadratic polynomial is (x3)(x+4)(x-3)(x+4).

Answer

(x3)(x+4) \left(x-3\right)\left(x+4\right)