Erin is using this area model to factor 6x^2 -7x-20. she puts two terms in the upper left (6x^2) and lower right boxes (-20)
The product of the two terms shown in the area model is
The sum of the missing two terms in the area model must be
The missing two terms she is looking for are
The expression factors to
The product of the two terms shown in the area model is 6x^2 * -20 = -120x^2.
The sum of the missing two terms in the area model must be -7x, as the constant term of -20x comes from -5x and -4x.
The missing two terms she is looking for are -5x and -4x.
The expression factors to (2x - 5)(3x + 4).