How do you factor 2m^2 - 11m + 15?

2 Answers
Mar 7, 2018

(m-3)(2m-5)

Explanation:

Here's a way to do it...
2m^2-11m+15
Multiply the squared value with 15
m^2-11m+30
Factor normally...
(m-6)(m-5)
divide both values by 2
(m-3)(2m-5)
5/2 won't be a whole number, so move that number before the m

Mar 7, 2018

(2m - 5)(m - 3)

Explanation:

Use the new AC Method (Socratic Search)
f(m) = 2m^2 - 11m + 15 = a(m + p)(m + q)
Converted trinomial:
f'(m) = m^2 - 11m + 30 = (m + p')(m + q')
Find p' and q', knowing the sum (-11) and the product (30).
They are: p' = - 5, and q' = - 6
Back to f(m) --> p = (p')/a = - 5/2, and q = -6/2 = - 3.
Factored form:
f(m) = 2(m - 5/2)(m - 3) = (2m - 5)(m - 3)