Question

Factorised form of p² – 17p – 38 is ______.

Options

• (p – 19)(p + 2)

• (p – 19)(p – 2)

• (p + 19)(p + 2)

• (p + 19)(p – 2)

Answer 1

Factorised form of p² – 17p – 38 is (p – 19)(p + 2).

Explanation:

We have, p² – 17p – 38

= p² – 19p + 2p – 38   ...[By splitting the middle term, so that the product of their numerical coefficients is equal constant term]

= p(p – 19) + 2(p – 19)

= (p – 19)(p + 2)  ...[∵ x² + (a + b)x + ab = (x + a)(x + b)]