Question

3a+16=a^2-8 I got as far as 0=a^2-3a-24 I seem unable to find a factor for -24 that also equals -3. I know it has to look like (a+ )(a- ). any ideas?

Answer 1

http://mathway.com/math_image.aspx?p=aSMB01SMB02FSMB033+SMB02RSMB03105SMB02rSMB03SMB102SMB02fSMB03,SMB02FSMB033-SMB02RSMB03105SMB02rSMB03SMB102SMB02fSMB03?p=155?p=42 or http://mathway.com/math_image.aspx?p=aSMB02ZSMB03APPRSMB02zSMB036.623476,-3.623475?p=205?p=22

Answer 2

? /i dont understand..

Answer 3

the reason you can't find factors of -24 that sum to -3 is that the polynomial does not factor; that is also why blank123's answer is irrational. there are two possibilities:
(i) you have to sold fit by quadratic formula or by completing the square, or
(ii) you copied the given equation down incorrectly (because you simplified it correctly)