Question

Using complete sentences, explain how to completely factor 3x2 - 3x - 60

Answer 1

1. First factor out three from each term:

3(x^2 - x - 20)

2. Next split the middle term of the quadratic such that a + c = -1 and ac = -20:
In this case, a = -5, c = 4, thus:
3(x^2 - 5x + 4x - 20)

3. Factor out the first two terms and last two terms of the quadratic:

3(x(x-5) + 4(x-5))

4. Factor out the binomial (x-5) since it is a common term:

3((x-5)(x+4))

5. Distribute the 3 inside the first set of parentheses then remove them:
3(x-5)(x+4)

6. The End

Answer 2

wow thanks!

Answer 3

You can thank me with a medal