How to Factor r^2-5r-14

r^2-5r-14

r^2 - (7-2) r-14

r^2 - 7r+2r-14

taking common from each 2 terms

r (r-7) + 2 (r-7)

(r-7) (r+2)

(r-7) (r+2)

Step-by-step explanation:

First, let's look at the - 14. Possible factors for that number are (-2, 7) (2, - 7) (1, - 14) and (-1, 14).

Now, let's look at the - 5. How can we make - 5 with the pairs that we just found?

The only possible way is 2 and - 7 (added together equals - 5)