Question

Need help factoring: 2x^2 − 5x + 2 = 0
I know the factors of 2 are:
1 * 2 and -1 * -2 but neither of those equal -5.
Can someone help me out?
I already know that the answer is (x - 2)(2x - 1) I just don't understand how to get the answer.

Answer 1

@haileemackk dont u think it should be -4* -1 because here leading coefficient is 2 not 1

Answer 2

multiply the coefficient of x^2 which is 2 by the constant which is 2 to give you 4. the factors are: -1 * -4 and 1* 4.

Answer 3

Oh, so I factor by grouping! Okay, now I get it!

Answer 4

You need two numbers that multiply to 4 and add to -5.
What are they? @haileemackk

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Multiply to a*c where a = 2 and c = 2.
AND add to b where b = -5.

Answer 5

This is what I've got
-1 * -4 = 4 and -1 + 4 = -5

Then I would put -1 and -4 into the trinomial, right?
2x^2 − 5x + 2 = 0 would turn into
2x^2 - 1 - 4 + 2 = 0 ??

Split them in half:
x^2 - 4 and -5 + 2

But from here I am unsure.

Answer 6

When everyone else finishes, I will show you what I mean from beginning to end of the factorization.

Answer 7

if u want a to solve again i can