Question

Factorise the following:

x² – 10x – 24

Answer 1

Given expression: x² – 10x – 24

We have to find two numbers whose sum is –10 and whose product is –24. 

These numbers are –6 and –4.

Now, using middle term factorisation method,

x² – 10x – 24

= x² – 12x + 2x – 24

= x – 12 – 2x – 12

= (x – 12) (x – 2)

The factorisation result is (x – 12) (x – 2).