Factor 3x^2+2x-8

Problem

3*x2+2*x−8

Solution

1. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression a*x2+b*x+c where a=3 b=2 and c=−8

2. Find two numbers that multiply to a⋅c=3⋅(−8)=−24 and add to b=2

3. Determine the factors of −24 that satisfy the condition: the numbers are 6 and −4

4. Rewrite the middle term 2*x using the two numbers found: 3*x2+6*x−4*x−8

5. Factor by grouping the first two terms and the last two terms: 3*x*(x+2)−4*(x+2)

6. Factor out the common binomial (x+2) to obtain the final factored form.

Final Answer

3*x2+2*x−8=(3*x−4)*(x+2)

Want more problems? Check here!