Question

select the correct answer from each drop-down menu.

consider the trinomial (x^2 - 9x + 20).

the factors of this trinomial are ( choose an answer ) ( choose an answer ).

options for the first drop-down menu:
(x + 5)
(x - 5)
(x + 10)
(x - 10)

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: factoring trinomials

Step 1: Identify coefficients

For the trinomial \(x^2 - 9x + 20\):

$$ a = 1, \quad b = -9, \quad c = 20 $$

Step 2: Find factors

Find two numbers that multiply to \(20\) and add up to \(-9\):

$$ -4 \times -5 = 20 $$

$$ -4 + (-5) = -9 $$

Step 3: Write factored form

$$ (x - 4)(x - 5) $$

Answer:

The factors of this trinomial are \(x - 5\) and \(x - 4\) (or \(x - 4\) and \(x - 5\)).