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QuestionMathematics

"Factor the expression: x^2−4x−12"
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step-by-step using the guidelines you specified:

Step 2:
: Identify the structure of the quadratic expression

• Here, $$a = 1$$, $$b = -4$$, and $$c = -12
• This is a quadratic expression in standard form: ax^{2} + bx + c

Step 3:
: Determine the method of factoring

2) Add up to $$b$$ (in this case, $$-4$$)
• We'll use the method of finding two numbers that:

Step 4:
: Find the two numbers

-6 + 2 = -4
• We need two numbers that:

Step 5:
: Rewrite the middle term using these numbers

• $$x^{2} - 6x + 2x - 12

Step 6:
: Group the terms

• $$(x^{2} - 6x) + (2x - 12)

Step 7:
: Factor out common terms from each group

• $$x(x - 6) + 2(x - 6)

Step 8:
: Factor out the common binomial

• $$(x - 6)(x + 2)

Final Answer

x^{2} - 4x - 12 = (x - 6)(x + 2)