Question

Factorize the following algebraic expression: $x^2-11x-42$

Answer 1

Given: $x^2-11x-42$
On splitting the middle term, we get
$x^2+3x-14x-42$
$=x(x+3)-14(x+3)$
$=(x-14)(x+3)$

Hence, $x^2-11x-42=(x-14)(x+3)$ .