Is it possible to factor #3x^2+ 7x + 2#? If so, what are the factors?

1 Answer
Feb 28, 2016

#3x^2+7x+2" "=" " (3x+1)(x+2)#

Explanation:

The whole number factors of 3 can only be 1 and 3
The whole number factors of 2 can only be 1 and 2

#3xx2=6# which is close to 7 so lets try it!

#color(blue)("Attempt 1")#

#(3x+2)(x+1) = 3x^2+3x+2x+2 =3x^2+color(red)(5x)+2 color(red)(" Fail"#

'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#color(blue)("Attempt 2")#

#(3x+1)(x+2) = 3x^2+6x+x+2 =3x^2+7x+2 color(green)(" Works!")#