Factor 3x^2-2x-5

Problem

3*x2−2*x−5

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression a*x2+b*x+c where a=3 b=−2 and c=−5

2. Find two numbers that multiply to a⋅c=3⋅(−5)=−15 and add to b=−2

3. Determine the two numbers, which are −5 and 3 since (−5)⋅3=−15 and −5+3=−2

4. Rewrite the middle term −2*x using these two numbers as −5*x+3*x

3*x2−5*x+3*x−5

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

x*(3*x−5)+1*(3*x−5)

6. Factor out the common binomial (3*x−5)

(3*x−5)*(x+1)

Final Answer

3*x2−2*x−5=(3*x−5)*(x+1)

Want more problems? Check here!