Question

Factor (5x^2-16x+11)

Answer 1

What is the quickest way to go about factoring this? The 5 is throwing me off.

Answer 2

5x^2 -5x-11x+11 = 5x(x-1)-11(x-1) = (5x-11)(x-1)

Answer 3

note i used the AC method 5*11 = 55 = -11*-5
and -11+-5 = -16

Answer 4

Given a polynomial with degree 2, we need to find numbers m, n such that, for some P(x):
\[
P(x)=ax^2+bx+c\\
mn=ac\\
m+n=b
\]So, we take these, and do the following:
\[
P(x)=ax^2+mx+nx+c
\]And factor.
Like @zzr0ck3r 's answer.

Answer 5

Optionally you can set the expression equal to zero and then use the quadratic formula to get the two solutions

x = 1 or x = 11/5

Now rearrange so that 0 is on the right side and then use the zero product property

x = 1 or x = 11/5

x = 1 or 5x = 11

x - 1 = 0 or 5x - 11 = 0

(x - 1)(5x - 11) = 0

So the expression factors to (x - 1)(5x - 11)

Answer 6

just a note, we do not have to set it equal to anything.

Answer 7

right?

Answer 8

True, but I find this method straight to the point (and you avoid guess and check)

Answer 9

I c

Answer 10

Either way works

Answer 11

Thanks for the help guys. Wish I could give more medals.

Answer 12

Yeah, was more just checking that I was ok doing what I did, but light bulb....

Answer 13

jim does not need any more:p and I gave wolf one:)

Answer 14

lol idc about them so don't worry

Answer 15

Oy @jim_thompson5910 remember that you also have to multiply it by the GCD of all of the coefficients.

Answer 16

in this case, the GCD is 1, so it's still the same answer