The Concept of Factoring Quadratic Expressions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 19 views

What are the Factors of $x^2-100$ ?

Understanding the Problem

The problem requires us to find the factors of the quadratic expression $x^2-100$ . To solve this, we need to understand the concept of factoring quadratic expressions. Factoring a quadratic expression involves expressing it as a product of two binomial expressions.

The Concept of Factoring Quadratic Expressions

A quadratic expression in the form of $ax^2+bx+c$ can be factored into the form $(x+p)(x+q)$ , where $p$ and $q$ are the factors of the quadratic expression. To factor a quadratic expression, we need to find two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term and whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term.

Factoring $x^2-100$

In the given quadratic expression $x^2-100$ , the constant term is $-100$ and the coefficient of the linear term is $0$ . To factor this expression, we need to find two numbers whose product is equal to $-100$ and whose sum is equal to $0$ .

Finding the Factors

The factors of $-100$ are $1, -1, 2, -2, 4, -4, 5, -5, 10, -10, 20, -20, 25, -25, 50, -50, 100, -100$ . However, we are looking for two numbers whose sum is equal to $0$ . This means that one number must be positive and the other must be negative.

Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze the options given:

A. $(x-50)(x+50)$

B. $(x-10)(x+10)$

C. $(x-25)(x+4)$

D. $(x-5)(x+20)$

We need to check which of these options satisfies the condition that the product of the two numbers is equal to $-100$ and the sum of the two numbers is equal to $0$ .

Checking Option A

For option A, we have $(x-50)(x+50)$ . Multiplying this expression, we get $x^2-2500$ . This is not equal to $x^2-100$ , so option A is not correct.

Checking Option B

For option B, we have $(x-10)(x+10)$ . Multiplying this expression, we get $x^2-100$ . This is equal to the given quadratic expression, so option B is correct.

Conclusion

The factors of $x^2-100$ are $(x-10)(x+10)$ . This is the correct answer.

Final Answer

The final answer is B. $(x-10)(x+10)$ .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Factoring Quadratic Expressions

Q: What is factoring a quadratic expression?

A: Factoring a quadratic expression involves expressing it as a product of two binomial expressions. This means that we need to find two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term and whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term.

Q: How do I factor a quadratic expression?

A: To factor a quadratic expression, we need to follow these steps:

Identify the constant term and the coefficient of the linear term.
Find two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term and whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term.
Write the quadratic expression as a product of two binomial expressions.

Q: What are the factors of $x^2-100$ ?

A: The factors of $x^2-100$ are $(x-10)(x+10)$ .

Q: How do I check if a quadratic expression is factored correctly?

A: To check if a quadratic expression is factored correctly, we need to multiply the two binomial expressions and see if we get the original quadratic expression.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when factoring quadratic expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when factoring quadratic expressions include:

Not identifying the constant term and the coefficient of the linear term correctly.
Not finding two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term and whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term.
Not writing the quadratic expression as a product of two binomial expressions.

Q: Can I use a calculator to factor quadratic expressions?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to factor quadratic expressions. However, it's always a good idea to check the answer by multiplying the two binomial expressions to make sure you get the original quadratic expression.

Q: How do I factor a quadratic expression with a negative constant term?

A: To factor a quadratic expression with a negative constant term, we need to follow the same steps as before. However, we need to make sure that the two numbers we find have opposite signs.

Q: Can I factor a quadratic expression with a zero coefficient of the linear term?

A: Yes, you can factor a quadratic expression with a zero coefficient of the linear term. In this case, the quadratic expression can be factored as $(x-p)(x-p)$ , where $p$ is the square root of the constant term.

Q: What are some real-world applications of factoring quadratic expressions?

A: Factoring quadratic expressions has many real-world applications, including:

Solving systems of equations
Finding the maximum or minimum value of a function
Modeling population growth or decline
Determining the trajectory of an object under the influence of gravity

Conclusion

Factoring quadratic expressions is an important concept in algebra that has many real-world applications. By understanding how to factor quadratic expressions, we can solve systems of equations, find the maximum or minimum value of a function, and model population growth or decline.