Question

factor.
$z^{2}-11z - 26$

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to - 26 and add up to - 11. The numbers are - 13 and 2 since $(-13)\times2=-26$ and $-13 + 2=-11$.

Step2: Rewrite the middle - term

Rewrite $z^{2}-11z - 26$ as $z^{2}-13z+2z - 26$.

Step3: Group the terms

Group the terms: $(z^{2}-13z)+(2z - 26)$.

Step4: Factor out the GCF from each group

Factor out the GCF from each group. From the first group $z^{2}-13z$, the GCF is $z$, so we get $z(z - 13)$. From the second group $2z - 26$, the GCF is 2, so we get $2(z - 13)$.

Step5: Factor out the common binomial factor

Factor out the common binomial factor $(z - 13)$: $(z - 13)(z + 2)$.

Answer:

$(z - 13)(z + 2)$