Question

how do you factor 3x^2+5x+2

Answer 1

3x^2 + 5x + 2
First multiply the constant by the co-efficient of the x^2 term. 3*2=6
Find the pair of factors that add up to 5, the middle terms co-efficient. 3*2=6 3+2=5
Then you pair them up like this:
(x + 3)(x + 2)
Then divide the co-efficient by 3
(x + 3)(x + 2)
___ ____
3 3
3 goes into 3 evenly but not 2, so put the 3 with the x.
(x + 1)(3x + 2)
The answer is (x + 1)(3x + 2).