To factor the polynomial x² - 7x - 18, find two numbers whose sum is -7 and whose product is -18. Begin listing factors of -18, and those numbers' sums.
-2 × 9 = -18; -2 + 9 = 7
-9 × 2 = -18; -9 + 2 = -7
The two numbers are -9 and 2.
The factored polynomial is (x - 9)(x + 2)
Answer:
The missing factor is (x + 2)
