Factorize each of the following algebraic expressions:a2 - 14a - 51

1.	Factorize each of the following algebraic expressions:a2 - 14a - 51
Answer» In order to factorize the given expression, we find to find two numbers p and q such that: p + q = -14, pq = -51 Clearly, 3 – 17 = -14, 3 (-17) = -51 Therefore, split 14a as 3a – 17a Therefore, a² – 14a – 51 = a² + 3a – 17a – 51 = a (a + 3) – 17 (a + 3) = (a – 17) (a + 3)

Answer»

In order to factorize the given expression, we find to find two numbers p and q such that:

p + q = -14, pq = -51
Clearly,
3 – 17 = -14, 3 (-17) = -51
Therefore, split 14a as 3a – 17a
Therefore,
a² – 14a – 51 = a² + 3a – 17a – 51

= a (a + 3) – 17 (a + 3)

= (a – 17) (a + 3)

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