Factor 6x^2-x-2

Problem

6*x2−x−2

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=6 b=−1 and c=−2

2. Find two numbers that multiply to a⋅c=6⋅(−2)=−12 and add to b=−1

3. Determine the two numbers, which are −4 and 3 since (−4)⋅3=−12 and −4+3=−1

4. Rewrite the middle term −x using these two numbers as −4*x+3*x

6*x2−4*x+3*x−2

5. Factor by grouping by taking the greatest common factor out of the first two terms and the last two terms.

2*x*(3*x−2)+1*(3*x−2)

6. Factor out the common binomial (3*x−2)

(2*x+1)*(3*x−2)

Final Answer

6*x2−x−2=(2*x+1)*(3*x−2)

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