How do you factor 4y² -13y -12?

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Answer 1 · 2015-05-30T18:08:21

Use a version of the AC Method.

$A=4$ , $B=13$ , $C=12$

Look for a pair of factors of $AC=48$ whose difference is $B=13$ .

$16$ and $3$ work.

Use this pair to split the middle term then factor by grouping...

$4y^2-13y-12$

$=4y^2+3y-16y-12$

$=(4y^2+3y)-(16y+12)$

$=y(4y+3)-4(4y+3)$

$=(y-4)(4y+3)$