Find the roots of the equation x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0.

Find the roots of the equation x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0.

Step 1: Start with the equation x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0.
Step 2: Look for two numbers that multiply to -8 (the last number) and add to 2 (the middle number).
Step 3: The numbers 4 and -2 work because 4 * -2 = -8 and 4 + (-2) = 2.
Step 4: Rewrite the equation using these numbers: (x + 4)(x - 2) = 0.
Step 5: Set each factor equal to zero: x + 4 = 0 and x - 2 = 0.
Step 6: Solve for x in each equation: For x + 4 = 0, x = -4; for x - 2 = 0, x = 2.
Step 7: The roots of the equation are x = -4 and x = 2.

Quadratic Equations – Understanding how to solve quadratic equations using factoring.
Factoring – Recognizing how to factor a quadratic expression into two binomials.
Finding Roots – Identifying the values of x that satisfy the equation.