factor x^2+2x+48

Question

I need help with factoring this expression.

Answer 1

X^2 + 2X + 48 =

 

 X^2 + 2X + 1 = -47

 

 (  X + 1 ) ^2  +47 =

 

( X +1 + i √47) ( X +1 - i√47) 

Answer 2

x² + 2x + 48

 

As written, the equation does not factor. In fact, using the quadratic formula, it has complex roots:

 

x = -1 ± i√47

 

If the equation is really x² - 2x - 48, the factors are (x+6)(x-8)

 

If it's really x² + 2x - 48, the factors are (x-6)(x+8)