How do you factor 6t^2+t-1?

1 Answer
May 3, 2018

(3t - 1)(2t +1)

Explanation:

Use the rainbow method.

Multiply the outer coefficients. 6 * -1 = -6

Now find two values which when multiplied equal the new number, and when added equal the center coefficient, 1.

Our values are 3 and -2.

Change the +t to +3t and -2t

6t^2 + 3t - 2t - 1

Separate the expression into two sides.
(6t^2 + 3t) and (-2t - 1)

Factor the two expressions, and make sure the values inside the parentheses are equal.

3t(2t + 1) and -1(2t +1)

We now have 3t - 1 and 2t +1 as our factors.
(3t - 1)(2t +1)