When m and n have opposite signs while factoring x^2 + bx + c, which one is positive?

1. When c is negative, the two factors m and n must have opposite signs. 2. The rule says the factor with the larger absolute value takes on the same sign as b. 3. For example, in x squared + x - 12, which factors to (x + 4)(x - 3), the larger factor 4 is positive because b is positive 1. 4. Neither position in the trinomial nor the value of c alone determines which factor is positive; only the comparison of absolute values and the sign of b does. _Source: OpenStax Elementary Algebra (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Factoring", section 7.2 Factor Quadratic Trinomials with Leading Coefficient 1_