Question

what is the factored form of ( x^2 - 6x - 16 )?
( circ (x - 4)(x - 2) )
( circ (x + 4)(x - 2) )
( circ (x - 2)(x + 8) )
( circ (x - 8)(x + 2) )

Explanation:

Step1: Expand each option

For option A: \((x - 4)(x - 2)=x^2-2x-4x + 8=x^2-6x + 8\) (not matching)

Step2: Expand option B

\((x + 4)(x - 2)=x^2-2x+4x-8=x^2+2x-8\) (not matching)

Step3: Expand option C

\((x - 2)(x + 8)=x^2+8x-2x-16=x^2+6x-16\) (not matching)

Step4: Expand option D

\((x - 8)(x + 2)=x^2+2x-8x-16=x^2-6x-16\) (matches the given quadratic)

Answer:

D. \((x - 8)(x + 2)\)