Is it possible to factor y=3x^2 +10x - 8 ? If so, what are the factors?

1 Answer
May 10, 2016

Yes. y=(3x-2)(x+4)

Explanation:

In order to factor this expression you need to find factors of 3 and 8 that add or subtract to give 10. Because the middle term is positive and the last term is negative the result must be arrived at by subtraction.

The factors of 3 can only be 3 and 1. The factors of 8 can be 8 and 1 or 4 and 2.
By trial and error you can get 3*4 = 12 and 1*2 = 2. 12-2 = 10

:. y=(3x-2)(x+4)