Question

How do you factor 5x^2-22xy-48y^2?

Answer 1

to factor, I would think about it in simple terms
set it up (5x y)(x y) so, the first term gives you your 5x^2. to get the 48y^2, you have to have the a factor of 48y^2 (the first one that pops into mind is 6y and 8y). Also, note that since there is a negative in front of the 48y^2, there will be a minus sign and a plus sign.
through trial and error, you get (5x+8y)(x-6y) multiplying out give us the original equation. 5x^2-30xy+8xy-48y^2 = 5x^2 -22xy-48y^2