Question

Factor 3x^2+x-4

Answer 1

The x in the middle threw me off

Answer 2

(3x+4 )(x-1)

Answer 3

So don't you have to have it like 3(x+4)(x-1)?

Answer 4

If that were an equivalent expression, that would be fine.

Unfortunately, \(3(x+4) = 3x + 12 \ne 3x + 4\)

Answer 5

Oh okay, so I just leave it as (3x+4)(x-1)

Answer 6

yerp

Answer 7

Okay! Thanks!

Answer 8

I'm a little puzzled by your initial comment. There isn't much to factoring without that 'x'-term in the middle. I have to wonder if you are getting the idea. Can you find another one and demonstrate your efforts?

Answer 9

ya @tkhunny thats a good idea

Answer 10

Yeah...I get the concept, but for some resin I can never find the correct factors.
I need help on this one as well:
9x^2+9-18

Answer 11

I know that 6 and 3 are factors, but I don't know if that will work

Answer 12

Assuming this is 9x^2 + 9x - 18, one may wish to start this one by removing the common factors.

9x^2 + 9x - 18 = 9(x^2 + x - 2)

There is a whole lot less to explore with only a 2.

Answer 13

Okay, I get what your saying with that....Thanks ^-^

Answer 14

Rather than consider only one factorization, your task is to consider ALL factorizations.

For 18, you said 6*3. You should also have noticed 1*18 and 2*9

For 2, well, 1*2 is all you get.

If it can be factored, your factored form will look like one of these:

(x+1)(x-2)
or
(x+2)(x-1)

Which one works?

Answer 15

Um, I think (x+1)(x-2)?

Answer 16

No good. Prove it! No guessing. Multiply them out and see!