Question

What is the factored form of x^2-4x-13

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to factor this you need the quadratic formula.  Our a = 1, b = -4, and c = -13  Filling in,

$x=\frac{4+/-\sqrt{16-4(1)(-13)} }{2}$

which simplifies to

$x=\frac{4+/-\sqrt{68} }{2}$

which simplifies to

$x=\frac{4+/-2\sqrt{17} }{2}$ which simplifies to

$x=2+/-\sqrt{17}$