How do you factor #2x^2-3x-2#?

1 Answer
George C.
May 12, 2015

#2x^2 - 3x - 2 = (2x + 1)(x - 2)#

If a polynomial with integer coefficients has a rational root of the form #p/q# in lowest terms then p must be a divisor of the constant term and q a divisor of the coefficient of the highest order term.

In your case any possible rational roots of #2x^2 - 3x - 2 = 0# must be #+-2#, #+-1# or #+-1/2#. By trying these values you will find that #x = 2# and #x = -1/2# are zeros, so #(2x + 1)# and #(x - 2)# are factors.

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