Question

How do you factor `n^2+4n-12`?

Answer 1

`(n-2)(n+6)`

Explanation:

By using SUM PRODUCT

= `n^2+6n-2n-12`

= `n(n+6)-2(n+6)`

= `(n-2)(n+6)`

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

`(n+6)(n-2)`

Explanation:

To factor this we, have to split the middle term.
If the quadratic equation is `ax^2+bx+c`, then we need to split the `bx` into two terms such that the ratio of `a` to first half = second half to `c`

So, we split `n^2+4n-12` into `n^2+6n-2n-12`
As we can see, `1:6`=`-2:-12`

Now in the first and second half take common the biggest term possible common

=`(n+6)n-(n+6)2`

Here take a look, if the terms inside brackets are same, then you're on the right track

Now take the remaining outside the bracket common and you get

`(n+6)(n-2)`