Question

Factor completely
2x^2 - 50.

Answer 1

2(x - 5)(x + 5)

Explanation:

Common factor

2² − 50

2(² − 25)

Use the sum-product pattern

2(² − 25)

2(2² + 5 − 5 − 25)

Common factor from the two pairs

2(² + 5 − 5 − 25)

2(( + 5) − 5( + 5))

Rewrite in factored form

2(( + 5) − 5( + 5))

2( − 5)( + 5)

Solution

2( − 5)( + 5)