Englishbrain math student

[dlsherrow]

First of all, I don't know how to type the exponent expressions. Please explain.
Second, I am starting back to college this fall and had NO math beyond basic in school (many years ago.) I am looking at a TASP practice test my son will be taking for college entry in Jan. The question is:

One factor of x with exponent of 2, -2x-24 is
a) (x-24)
b) (x-4)
c) (x-6)
d) (x+6)

Please show how this is done. Thank you [/img]

 

[stapel]

To indicate exponents, use the "carat" key (probably shift-6 on your keyboard). (On this board, though not on all, you can also use HTML formatting, so "3² = 9" displays as "3² = 9".)

So the question is: "Out of the given list, find one of the factors of x² - 2x - 24." To factor this quadratic, find the factors of -24 that add up to -2. Once you've factored, compare your results with the list to find the option that matches one of your factors.

Eliz.

 

[Denis]

DL, I entered "factoring equations" in the http://www.google.com search box
and got this site (plus loads of others):
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/solvquad.htm

If you go there, you'll come back a factoring expert!

My point? ALWAYS try such searches: save you lots of time...

 

[stapel]

That lesson would help for solving, but I think the poster needs to factor, so searching for "factor quadratic" or "factor trinomial" (without the quote-marks) might be more helpful. Good suggestion, though. :wink:

Eliz.