Ally G.

asked • 11/19/12

3x^2-x-2 factor

how to factor the equation

1 Expert Answer

By:

Robert J. answered • 11/19/12

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3*(-2) = -3*2 and -3+2 = -1

So, you can split -x into -3x+2x.

3x^2 - 3x + 2x - 2

= 3x(x-1) + 2(x-1)

= (x-1)(3x+2)

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Roman C.

tutor

In general, if you want to factor a2+bx+c (whenever it factors), you want to split b, like in Robert's answer, as b = m+n so that a/m = n/c.

That way we get ax2+mx+nx+c = (ax+m)x + (nx+c) where the expressions in parentheses are scalar multiples of each other.

 

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11/19/12

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