Question

what is the factored form of ( x^2 - 4x - 5 )?
( \bigcirc (x + 5)(x - 1) )
( \bigcirc (x + 5)(x + 1) )
( \bigcirc (x - 5)(x - 1) )
( \bigcirc (x - 5)(x + 1) )

Explanation:

Step1: Recall factoring quadratic

We need two numbers that multiply to \(-5\) (the constant term) and add to \(-4\) (the coefficient of \(x\)).

Step2: Find the numbers

The numbers are \(-5\) and \(+1\) because \(-5\times1 = -5\) and \(-5 + 1=-4\).

Step3: Write factored form

Using these numbers, the factored form of \(x^{2}-4x - 5\) is \((x - 5)(x+1)\).

Answer:

D. \((x - 5)(x + 1)\) (assuming the last option is D, if the options are labeled as A, B, C, D with the last one being \((x - 5)(x + 1)\))