Is it possible to factor #y= 2x^2 + x - 1 #? If so, what are the factors?

1 Answer
Dec 6, 2015

#y=(x+1)(2x-1)#

Explanation:

#y=2x^2+x-1# is a quadratic equation with the form #ax^2+bx+c#, where #a=2, b=1, c=-1#

Use the AC method to factor this equation.

Multiply #a# times #c#.

#2xx-1=-2#

Determine two numbers that when added equal #1#, and when multiplied equal #-2#. The numbers #2# and #-1# meet the criteria.

Rewrite the expression with #2x# and #-x# in place of #x#.

#2x^2+2x-x-1#

Group the first two terms and the second two terms.

#(2x^2+2x)-(x+1)#

Factor out the GCF #2x# from the first pair of terms.

#2x(x+1)-(x+1)#

Factor out #(x+1)#.

#(x+1)(2x-1)#

#y=(x+1)(2x-1)#