Write in factored form: x^2+2x-8=0

To find the factor, we will transform the equation in the binomials. We must find two number that will multiply to equal - 8 and will add to equal 2. You can do this by dividing - 8 by its greatest common factor. The GCF and the answer from the division would be the two numbers needed.

-8 / 8 = - 1

-8 / 4 = - 2

-8 / 2 = - 4

From doing that I can see when I divide - 8 by 4 it gives me - 2. - 2 plus 4 equals 2.

-2 + 4 = 2

Also when multiply the two numbers it gives - 8.

-2 + 4 = - 8

So the two number are - 2 and 8. Now we transform them into binomials. That would be:

(x - 2) and (x + 4)

Those are the two factors for x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0

So the answer is (x - 2) (x + 4) = 0