How would you factor x^2 - 4x - 5

Question says it all! I always get stumped on questions like that -.-

well i'll give the explanation. here goes
think of factors of (-5) that when added equate to (-4)
you have only 2 sets for this; thats is (-5)(1) and (5)(-1)
upon inspection you'll see the only the 1st set complies with the sum of -4
so we can finalize our factoring but subtituting the values
[x + (-5)] [x + (1)]
that is:
(x - 5) (x +1)

hope this helps

:]

(x-5)(x+1)

x^2 - 4x - 5
= x^2 - 5x + x -5
= x(x -5) + (x -5)
= (x -5) (x + 1)