Solve the quadratic equation x^2+2x-8=0 by factoring

x = - 4, x = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

x² + 2x - 8 = 0

Consider the factors of the constant term ( - 8) which sum to give the coefficient of the x - term ( + 2)

The factors are + 4 and - 2, since

4 * - 2 = - 8 and 4 - 2 = + 2, hence

(x + 4) x - 2) = 0 ← in factored form

Equate each factor to zero and solve for x

x + 4 = 0 ⇒ x = - 4

x - 2 = 0 ⇒ x = 2

The solutions for the equation are:

x = 2

x = - 4