To solve the quadratic equation x2 – 4x – 12 = 0, we can use the factoring method.
First, we need to find two numbers that multiply to -12 (the constant term) and add up to -4 (the coefficient of x). After testing a few pairs, we find that -6 and 2 fit our requirements because:
- -6 × 2 = -12
- -6 + 2 = -4
Now we can rewrite the quadratic equation as:
(x – 6)(x + 2) = 0
Next, we set each factor equal to zero:
- x – 6 = 0 → x = 6
- x + 2 = 0 → x = -2
Thus, the solutions to the equation x2 – 4x – 12 = 0 are x = 6 and x = -2.