SAT Math Practice Exam

Category - Mathematics - Hard

If (x+6) is a factor of x2+mx-48, then m=
  1. 16
  2. 12
  3. 2
  4. 6
  5. 14
Explanation
Answer C This is a quadratic equation. Use the formula if and b are solutions of a quadratic equation then it can be expressed as x2 + (a-b) x - ab = 0
or (x+a) (x-b) = 0
Given x+6 is a factor So a= 6
(a-b) = m and ab =-48
Hence b = 8 and m =2

Key takeaway: The general form of a quadratic equation is x2 + (a+b) x + ab = 0 and can be expressed as product of two terms (x+a)(x+b) = 0, a and b are called two roots or solutions of the equation The values x =a or b satisfy the equation.
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