Question

How do you solve `2x^2-5x-3` by factoring?

Answer 1

`(x-3)(2x+1)`

Explanation:

`2x3=6` so then you must find two numbers (a negative and a positive since there are two negatives in the original problem) that will add up to `5` and multiply to `6`.

The numbers are then `-6` and `+1` which gives you:

`2x^2+1x-6x-3`

Split down the middle and factor out an `x` and a `-3`

`x(2x+1) + -3(2x+1)`

Take the leading coefficients and you'll finish with

`(x-3)(2x+1)`

Hope this helps!