Factor 2x^2-3x-20

Problem

2*x2−3*x−20

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression in the form a*x2+b*x+c where a=2 b=−3 and c=−20

2. Calculate the product of a and c which is 2⋅−20=−40

3. Find two numbers that multiply to −40 and add to the middle coefficient b=−3 These numbers are −8 and 5

4. Rewrite the middle term −3*x using the two numbers found: 2*x2−8*x+5*x−20

5. Factor by grouping the first two terms and the last two terms: 2*x*(x−4)+5*(x−4)

6. Extract the common binomial factor (x−4) to obtain the final factored form.

Final Answer

2*x2−3*x−20=(2*x+5)*(x−4)

Want more problems? Check here!