2x squared minus 5x minus 3 = 0. Solve by factoring

The answer is:

(x – 3)(2x + 1)

Solution:

2x² - 5x – 3 = 0

The first term is, 2x² its coefficient is 2.
The middle term is, -5x its coefficient is -5.
The last term, "the constant", is -3.

Step-1: Multiply the coefficient of the first term by the constant

2 * -3 = -6

Step-2: Find two factors of -6 whose sum equals the coefficient of the middle term, which is -5.

-6 + 1 = -5

Step-3: Rewrite the polynomial splitting the middle term using the two factors found in step 2 above, -6 and 1.

2x² - 6x + 1x – 3

Step-4: Add up the first 2 terms, pulling out like factors:

2x * (x-3)

Add up the last 2 terms, pulling out common factors:

1 * (x-3)

Step-5: Add up the four terms of step 4:

(2x+1) * (x-3)

Answer: (x - 3)(2x + 1) = 0

Tip! Use this free online factoring calculator that factors an algebraic expression. Enter a polynomial, or even just a number, to see its factors at Freemathhelp.com.

Tag: factorization 
Friday, July 15 2016


Source: http://www.freemathhelp.com/factoring-calculator.php

Related questions