Calculate the Product Representation of f(x) = x² - 2x - 3

Quadratic Factorization with Integer Factor Pairs

Find the representation of the product of the following function

f(x)=x22x3 f(x)=x^2-2x-3

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Convert trinom to multiplication
00:03 Identify the trinom coefficients
00:08 We want to find 2 numbers whose sum equals coefficient B
00:13 and their product equals coefficient C
00:19 These are the matching numbers, let's substitute in multiplication
00:24 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Find the representation of the product of the following function

f(x)=x22x3 f(x)=x^2-2x-3

2

Step-by-step solution

The problem requires finding the product representation of the quadratic function f(x)=x22x3 f(x) = x^2 - 2x - 3 .

Let's execute the factorization of the quadratic equation:

  • The standard form for the function is f(x)=ax2+bx+c f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c . Here, a=1 a = 1 , b=2 b = -2 , c=3 c = -3 .
  • We seek two numbers that multiply to c=3 c = -3 and sum to b=2 b = -2 .
  • Checking possible integer pairs: (3,1)(-3, 1) can accomplish this, since 3×1=3-3 \times 1 = -3 and 3+1=2-3 + 1 = -2.
  • The factorization becomes f(x)=(x3)(x+1) f(x) = (x - 3)(x + 1) .

To verify, we can expand the binomials:

(x3)(x+1)=x2+x3x3=x22x3(x - 3)(x + 1) = x^2 + x - 3x - 3 = x^2 - 2x - 3.

This matches the original polynomial, confirming the product representation is correct.

In conclusion, the factorization or product representation of the given quadratic function is (x3)(x+1)\mathbf{(x-3)(x+1)}.

3

Final Answer

(x3)(x+1) (x-3)(x+1)

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Factor Pairs: Find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b
  • Technique: For x22x3 x^2 - 2x - 3 , use -3 and 1: (-3)(1) = -3, (-3) + 1 = -2
  • Check: Expand (x3)(x+1)=x22x3 (x-3)(x+1) = x^2 - 2x - 3 matches original ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing signs when writing factors
    Don't write (x + 3)(x - 1) when you need numbers that add to -2 = wrong expansion! This gives x² + 2x - 3 instead of x² - 2x - 3. Always check that your factor pair adds up to the middle coefficient b.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Create an algebraic expression based on the following parameters:

\( a=2,b=2,c=2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the right factor pair when there are so many possibilities?

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List all factor pairs of the constant term c systematically. For c = -3, try: 1 and -3, -1 and 3. Then check which pair adds up to the middle coefficient b = -2.

What if the leading coefficient isn't 1?

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When a ≠ 1, you need to find factors of ac (not just c) that add to b. This is called factoring by grouping and requires extra steps.

Why do I keep getting the wrong signs in my factors?

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Remember: if c is negative, one factor is positive and one is negative. The larger absolute value gets the same sign as b. For b = -2, the -3 gets the negative sign.

Can I just use the quadratic formula instead?

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Yes, but factoring is faster when it works! The quadratic formula gives you roots, then you write (x - root₁)(x - root₂). Factoring finds the same result more directly.

How do I know if a quadratic can be factored?

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Check if the discriminant b24ac b^2 - 4ac is a perfect square. If yes, it factors nicely with integers. If not, you'll need the quadratic formula.

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