Question #N761
The equation $x^2 - 6x + 8 = 0$ can be factored into the form $(x-a)(x-b) = 0$. What is the value of $a+b$?
A. 2
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10
Correct Answer is: B
To factor the quadratic, we need to find two numbers that add up to -6 (the coefficient of the x term) and multiply to 8 (the constant term). These numbers are -2 and -4. Therefore, the factored form of the equation is $(x-2)(x-4) = 0$, and $a+b = 2+4 = 6$.