If 2x+5 is a factor of #6x^2+19x+c# what is the value of c?

1 Answer
Nov 29, 2016

#c = 10#

Explanation:

With the information provided we can write:

#6x^2 + 19x + c = (2x + 5)(ax + b)#

Cross multiplying the terms on the right of the equation gives:

#6x^2 + 19x + c = 2ax^2 + 5ax + 2bx + 5b#

#6x^2 + 19x + c = 2ax^2 + (5a + 2b)x + 5b#

Therefore we know:

#6x^2 = 2ax^2# Solving for #a# gives.

#(6x^2)/x^2 = (2ax^2)/x^2#

#6 = 2a#

#(2a)/2 = 6/2#

#a = 3#

Substituting this back into the equation gives:

#6x^2 + 19x + c = 2*3x^2 + (5*3 + 2b)x + 5b#

#6x^2 + 19x + c = 6x^2 + (15 + 2b)x + 5b#

Therefore we know:

#19x = (15 + 2b)x# Solving for #b# gives:

#(19x)/x = ((15 + 2b)x)/x#

#19 = 15 + 2b#

#19 - 15 = 15 - 15 + 2b#

#4 = 2b#

#(2b)/2 = 4/2#

#b = 2#

Substituting this back into the equation gives:

#6x^2 + 19x + c = 6x^2 + (15 + 2*2)x + 5*2#

#6x^2 + 19x + c = 6x^2 + (15 + 4)x + 10#

#6x^2 + 19x + c = 6x^2 + 19x + 10#

Therefore #c = 10#