Algebra 1: Common Core (15th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0133281140
ISBN 13: 978-0-13328-114-9

Chapter 8 - Polynomials and Factoring - 8-5 Factoring x2+bx+c - Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises - Page 515: 10

Answer

$k^2+5k+6=(k+2)(k+3)$

Work Step by Step

We are trying to fill in the blank in the equation $k^2+5k+6=(k+2)(k+\square)$. In order to do so, we will factor the trinomial on the left side of the equation to determine the second factor. To factor a trinomial in the form $x^2+bx+c$, we must find two numbers whose product is $c$ and whose sum is $b$. We then insert these two numbers into the blanks of the factors $(x+\_)(x+\_)$. In the case of $k^2+5k+6$, we are looking for two numbers whose product is $6$ and whose sum is $5$. The numbers $2$ and $3$ meet these criteria, because $$2\times(3)=6\;\text{and}\;2+(3)=5$$When we insert these numbers into the blanks, we arrive at the factors $(k+2)(k+3)$. Inserting factored form back into the original equation, we have the complete equation, which is $k^2+5k+6=(k+2)(k+3)$.
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