Learn How to Factor Quadratics: Step-by-Step Guide for Gr. 10 Math Homework

[winston2020]

Homework Statement

Factor.
2x^{2}+5x-12

I just took a semester off from school and I feel dumb. My recommendation to anyone reading is don't do that.
Anyways, back to gr. 10 math

Normally if I was going to factor this I would try to eliminate the coefficient of x^{2} but it can't be divided evenly. IIRC you're supposed to take the factors of c and try to find 2 that add up to b, but that doesn't seem to be an option here either...

I just need a push in the right direction :)

 

[CFDFEAGURU]

Take a look at the Binomial theorem. That should help you out.

Thanks
Matt

 

[Mark44]

Homework Statement

Factor.
2x^{2}+5x-12

I just took a semester off from school and I feel dumb. My recommendation to anyone reading is don't do that.
Anyways, back to gr. 10 math

Normally if I was going to factor this I would try to eliminate the coefficient of x^{2} but it can't be divided evenly. IIRC you're supposed to take the factors of c and try to find 2 that add up to b, but that doesn't seem to be an option here either...

I just need a push in the right direction :)

This is fairly straightforward, since there aren't many possibilities for 2x². Start with (2x + ?)(x + ?) and by trial and error, see if there is some way to factor -12 so that you get an x-term coefficient of + 5.

 

[njama]

Start by:

2(x²+(5/2)x-6)=2[ (x+5/4)²-25/4-6 ]

 

[gabbagabbahey]

Start by:

2(x²+(5/2)x-6)=2[ (x+5/4)²-25/4-6 ]

The question asked him to factor the quadratic, not complete the square.

 

[Elucidus]

It is possible to factor quadratic trinomials whose lead coefficient is not 1 by multiplying the lead and tail coefficients together and finding a factor pair of that product that adds up to the middle coefficient.

Based on a set of equations by Viete:

Find u and v so that ax^2 + bx + c = ax^2 + ux + vx + c and

uv=ac and u+v=b.

Once u and v are found, then factor by grouping.

--Elucidus

 

[HANNONKEVINP]

My Teacher taught me a method called slide and divide.

2x^2 +5x -12, you multiply the coefficient of 2x^2 times -12.

X^2 +5x-24, from there you factor normally...Once you get the factors, you divide the number of by the coefficient you used before. One little trick that you must remember is if the number turns out to be not a whole number, you bring out the denominator and put in on the x. For example (x-3/2) would become (2x-3)

 

[HallsofIvy]

The question asked him to factor the quadratic, not complete the square.

Yes, but that's a perfectly valid way to find the factors (and works even if the coefficients in the factors are not rational).
2((x+ 5/4)^2- 25/4- 6)= 2((x+ 5/4)^2- 49/4) and that is now a "difference of squares": 2(x+5/4+ 7/2)(x+5/4- 7/2)