Question

how to factorize 2x^2-5x-3

Answer 1

tell me method to be adobted in such cases in general?

Answer 2

(2x + 1)(x - 3). check by FOIL ing

Answer 3

i mean i know how to factorize a quadratic bt i dont know how when an integer other than 1 comes before x^2

Answer 4

i don't know what you mean... can you explain?

Answer 5

since you know how to factor a quadratic, I think it is just practice then...

Answer 6

wel here there was a 2 before x^2 i dont know how to do

Answer 7

I mean getting better at looking at the factors of the leading coefficients and constant coefficients.

Answer 8

oh, ok

Answer 9

since there was a 2, there's only one way to get a 2 ... 2*1 or 1*2. so in your parenthesis start out by looking like this: (2x )(x ) or (x )(2x )

to fill in the rest, look at the factors of the last number, 3. Its factored as -1*3 or 3*-1 or -3*1 or 1*-3. it is a little about guess and check here... but an educated one at that.

The placement is crucial here because the "Inside" product and "Outside" product have to add up to -5.