Question

which are factors of $x^2 - 4x - 5$? select two options.
$\square$ $(x - 5)$
$\square$ $(x - 4)$
$\square$ $(x - 2)$
$\square$ $(x + 1)$
$\square$ $(x + 5)$

Explanation:

Step1: Factor the quadratic

To factor \(x^2 - 4x - 5\), we need two numbers that multiply to \(-5\) and add to \(-4\). The numbers are \(-5\) and \(1\) (since \(-5\times1 = -5\) and \(-5 + 1 = -4\)).
So, \(x^2 - 4x - 5=(x - 5)(x + 1)\).

Step2: Identify the factors

From the factored form, the factors are \((x - 5)\) and \((x + 1)\).

Answer:

A. \((x - 5)\), D. \((x + 1)\)