To find the values of a and b, we need to expand the right side of the given equation:
(x + 3)(x + b) = x^2 + bx + 3x + 3b= x^2 + (b + 3)x + 3b.
Now, we can compare this with the given equation x^2 - ax - 21:
Comparing the x terms:(b + 3)x = -ax=> b + 3 = -a=> a = -b - 3
Comparing the constant terms:3b = -21=> b = -7
Substitute the value of b back into the equation for a:a = -(-7) - 3a = 7 - 3a = 4
Therefore, the values of a and b are a = 4 and b = -7.
To find the values of a and b, we need to expand the right side of the given equation:
(x + 3)(x + b) = x^2 + bx + 3x + 3b
= x^2 + (b + 3)x + 3b.
Now, we can compare this with the given equation x^2 - ax - 21:
Comparing the x terms:
(b + 3)x = -ax
=> b + 3 = -a
=> a = -b - 3
Comparing the constant terms:
3b = -21
=> b = -7
Substitute the value of b back into the equation for a:
a = -(-7) - 3
a = 7 - 3
a = 4
Therefore, the values of a and b are a = 4 and b = -7.