Factor 2x^2-2x-12

Problem

2*x2−2*x−12

Solution

1. Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from all three terms, which is 2

2*(x2−x−6)

2. Identify the coefficients of the remaining quadratic trinomial x2−x−6 to find two numbers that multiply to −6 and add to −1

a=1,b=−1,c=−6

3. Find the factors of −6 that sum to −1 These numbers are −3 and 2

−3⋅2=−6

−3+2=−1

4. Rewrite the trinomial in its factored form (x+p)*(x+q) using the identified factors.

2*(x−3)*(x+2)

Final Answer

2*x2−2*x−12=2*(x−3)*(x+2)

Want more problems? Check here!