The answer is: [A]: " 2(x − 5)(x + 4) " .
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Given: " 2x² − 2x − 40 " ;
We can factor out a "2" ;
2(x² − x − 20)
Now, we can write down the "2" ; and factor the: "(x² − x − 20)" ;
2 *
(x² − x − 20) ;
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Take a look at: "(x² − x − 20)" ; we have "-1x" and "-20" ;
so, -5 and +4 ;
or; +5 and -4 ; to get "-20" ;
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(we choose the "5" and "4" factors of
"-20" because we also have "-1" ;
and "5 -4 =1" ;
Now, (-5 + 4 = -1) ;
and: (+5 - 4 = +1).
So; we'll stick with (-5 + 4) ;
(x² − x − 20) = (x − 5)(x + 4) ;
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Then, bring down the "2" ; and we have our answer:
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" 2x² − 2x − 40 "
= " 2(x − 5)(x + 4) " ; which is: Answer choice: [A] .
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