Question

How do you factor the trinomial `2x ^2 + 3x - 2`?

Answer 1

In order to factor trinomials of the form `ax^2` + bx + c, a `!=` 1, find two numbers that multiply to ac and that add to b.

Explanation:

`2x^2` + 3x - 2

Two numbers that multiply to -4 and add to +3 are 4 and -1:

=`2x^2` + 4x - x - 2

= 2x(x + 2) - 1(x + 2)

= (2x - 1)(x + 2)