factor expression

Question

Factor the expression. x2 + 2x + 42

(x + 1)(x + 42)

(x + 6)2

(x + 6)(x + 7)

Prime Polynomial

Answer 1

Hi Shawan,

 

You should not try to factorize this.

 

If you would use the determinant formula before you even attempt to factorize you would know you don't need to

 

b^2-4ac > 0 needs to be satisfied before you even try to attempt to factorize 

 

2^2-4*42<0 then you stop

Answer 2

this can't be factored into the product of two binomials with integer coefficients

no two numbers multiplied together to make 42 will sum to equal the number 2, the coefficient of the middle term

Prime Polynomial