Chapter 6: Problem 38
Factor completely. If the polynomial cannot be factored, write prime. $$ q^{2}-q-42 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( q^2 - q - 42 = (q - 7)(q + 6) \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the quadratic
Observe that the given polynomial is in standard quadratic form: \[ q^2 - q - 42 \]
02
Set up the factoring form
A quadratic in the form \[ ax^2 + bx + c \] can often be factored as \[ (x - p)(x - q) \]. Here, we need to find two numbers that multiply to \[ c = -42 \] and add to \[ b = -1 \].
03
Find the factors
We need to find two numbers that multiply to -42 and add to -1. Considering the pairs of factors of -42, we see that the pair \[ -7 \times 6 = -42 \] and \[ -7 + 6 = -1 \]. So, the factors are -7 and 6.
04
Write the factorization
Based on the factors found in Step 3, rewrite the polynomial as:\[ (q - 7)(q + 6) \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Equations
Quadratic equations are a type of polynomial equation in the form of
ax^2 + bx + c = 0
where:
ax^2 + bx + c = 0
where:
- a is the coefficient of the quadratic term ( ax^2 ),
- b is the coefficient of the linear term ( bx ),
- and c is the constant term.
- Quadratic equations are useful for describing many natural phenomena.
We can solve them using various methods, such as the quadratic formula, completing the square, or factoring,
Factoring
Factoring is a method used in algebra to break down expressions into simpler multiples or factors that, when multiplied together, give the original expression.
In the provided exercise, we factor the quadratic polynomial: q^2 - q - 42, by searching for two numbers that multiply to the constant term (-42) and sum to the coefficient of the linear term (-1).
Here are key points to remember:
In the provided exercise, we factor the quadratic polynomial: q^2 - q - 42, by searching for two numbers that multiply to the constant term (-42) and sum to the coefficient of the linear term (-1).
Here are key points to remember:
- Identify the quadratic expression in the standard form ax^2 + bx + c.
- Find factors of the constant term ( c ) that also sum up to the linear coefficient ( b ).
- Write the polynomial in its factored form using those two numbers.
Polynomial Factorization
Polynomial factorization involves expressing a polynomial as a product of its factors. For the quadratic polynomial q^2 - q - 42,
we identified factors that worked as -7 and 6.
Here's how we proceeded:
Factoring polynomials helps in many areas of algebra, such as simplifying expressions and solving higher-degree equations.
we identified factors that worked as -7 and 6.
Here's how we proceeded:
- Determine the product needed ( -42 ).
- Determine the sum needed ( -1 ).
- Identify the two numbers that fit those requirements ( -7 and 6 ).
- Rewrite the polynomial in its factorized form ( (q - 7)(q + 6) ).
Factoring polynomials helps in many areas of algebra, such as simplifying expressions and solving higher-degree equations.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions include numbers, variables, and operators that represent values and relationships. The quadratic polynomial q^2 - q - 42 is an example of such an expression.
To work with algebraic expressions effectively:
To work with algebraic expressions effectively:
- Recognize different types of polynomials and their degrees.
- Understand the importance of standard form ( ax^2 + bx + c ).
- Apply factoring techniques to simplify the expression or solve related equations.