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QuestionMathematics

Which expression is a factor of x^2 −5x−6? A. (x+ 1) B. (x−2) C. (x−3) D. (x−6)
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Answer

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Step 1:
Let's solve this step by step:

Step 2:
: To determine which expression is a factor, we'll use the factor theorem.

This states that (x - a) is a factor of a polynomial p(2$) if and only if p(2$) = 0.

Step 3:
: Let's test each option by substituting the value into the original polynomial x^{2} - 5x - 6.

Step 4:
: Test A: (x + 1)

= 0
(- 1)^{2} - 5(- 1) - 6 Since this equals 0, (x + 1) is a factor.

Step 5:
: For completeness, let's quickly check the other options:

= 60$$ (not a factor)
B: (x - 2) C: (x - 3) D: (x - 6)

Final Answer

A. (x + 1)