Question

FACTORIZE AND Split the middle term: 72 + b - b^2​

Answer 1

Answer:

- (b - 9)(b + 8)

Step-by-step explanation:

72 + b - b² ← factor out - 1 from each term and rearrange into standard form

= - (b² - b - 72) ← factor the quadratic

Consider the factors of the constant term (- 72) which sum to give the coefficient of the b- term (- 1)

The factors are - 9 and + 8

Use these factors to split the b- term

b² - 9b + 8b - 72 ( factor the first/second and third/fourth terms )

b(b - 9) + 8(b - 9) ← factor out (b - 9) from each term

(b - 9)(b + 8)

Then

72 + b - b² = - (b - 9)(b + 8)