Question

Factor the trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime

2x2−5x−3

Answer 1

(2x + 1) (x - 3)

Explanation:

2x² − 5x − 3

For a polynomial of the form ax² + bx+c, rewrite the middle term as a sum of two terms whose product is a ⋅ c =2 ⋅ −3 = −6 and whose sum is b = −5.

2x² + x − 6x − 3

Factor out the greatest common factor from each group.

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

Factor the polynomial by factoring out the greatest common factor, 2x+1.

(2x + 1) (x - 3)