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21Factoring x²−5x−24

Factor x2−5x−24\displaystyle x^2 - 5x - 24, then solve x2−5x−24=0\displaystyle x^2 - 5x - 24 = 0.

The expression factors as (x+3)(x−8), since 3 and −8 multiply to −24 and add to −5. Setting each factor to zero gives x = −3 or x = 8. Check: 8² − 5(8) − 24 = 64 − 40 − 24 = 0.

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