Factor 3x^2-8x-3

Problem

3*x2−8*x−3

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression a*x2+b*x+c where a=3 b=−8 and c=−3

2. Find two numbers that multiply to a⋅c=3⋅(−3)=−9 and add to b=−8

3. Determine the pair of numbers, which are −9 and 1 since (−9)⋅1=−9 and −9+1=−8

4. Rewrite the middle term −8*x using the two numbers found:

3*x2−9*x+x−3

5. Factor by grouping the first two terms and the last two terms:

(3*x2−9*x)+(x−3)

6. Factor out the greatest common factor from each group:

3*x*(x−3)+1*(x−3)

7. Factor out the common binomial (x−3)

(3*x+1)*(x−3)

Final Answer

3*x2−8*x−3=(3*x+1)*(x−3)

Want more problems? Check here!