Question

Factor: 6r^2+5r+1
I need someone to tell me if i'm doing right, and this is a new topic for me, so i need to learn the steps!!!

Answer 1

In the form ax^2 + bx + c, what you do is multiply a by c, and find factors of that number that equal b.
So in your case, a = 6, b = 5, and c =1
6 x 1 = 6

So now you need to find factors of 6 that add to 5. So 3 and 2 are factors of 6, and when added together they give you 6. So you rewrite with the factors:
6r^2 +3r +2r +1

Now you split that down the middle (6r^2 +3r) + (2r+1)
Divide the first term by 3r , and the second term by 1
3r(2r +1) +1(2r +1)
Rewritten as: (3r+1)(2r+1)

Answer 2

Does that make sense?

Answer 3

Thanks, yup makes sense, can you help me with another? 4p^2+5p+1
It is similar but i dont understand.

Answer 4

Sure. First step, multiply 1 by 4 to get 4. Factors of 4 that add to 5? 1 and 4. Rewrite using the factors:
4p^2 + 4p + 1p + 1
Divide 4p^2 +4p by their gcf, and 1p +1 by their gcf, to get
4p(p + 1) +1(p +1)
This can be rewritten as (4p +1)(p+1)

Starting to make sense?

Answer 5

Thank you so much, yes it all makes sense now. =D

Answer 6

You're welcome :D