What is the first step in factoring the quadratic expression x² - 7x - 18?

The first step in factoring the quadratic expression (x^2 - 7x - 18) involves identifying the coefficients (a), (b), and (c). In the context of a quadratic expression in the form (ax^2 + bx + c), (a) represents the coefficient of (x^2), (b) is the coefficient of (x), and (c) is the constant term. For this expression, (a = 1), (b = -7), and (c = -18).

By recognizing these coefficients, you can determine the necessary components for factoring or applying the quadratic formula if required later in the process. This step is essential because it simplifies the process of finding numbers that will work for factoring, specifically looking for two numbers that multiply to (ac) (where (a = 1) and (c = -18), thus the product is (-18)) and add up to (b = -7).

Calculating the roots using the quadratic formula is a method used after identifying the coefficients, so it’s not the initial step. Rearranging the expression isn't necessary here, as it is already