How do you factor x2 - 5x - 14?

x^2 - 5x - 14

To factor

Look for all the factors of '14' / They are 1,2,7,& 14.

Of these factorts we need to select two numbers ,which added or subtracted com to '5'.

The numbers are .2. & .7.

Hence write up the brackets

(x 2 )(x 7)

Next ; to select the correct signs.

We note that '14' is negative, so the two signs are different ; + & - . Where does the '+' & '-'- go . Since '5x' is minus(-) then the large number in the brackets is the minus(-).

Hence

( x + 2)(x - 7) Done!!!!