How do you factor 2x^2-3x-2?

1 Answer
George C.
May 12, 2015

2x^2 - 3x - 2 = (2x + 1)(x - 2)

If a polynomial with integer coefficients has a rational root of the form p/q in lowest terms then p must be a divisor of the constant term and q a divisor of the coefficient of the highest order term.

In your case any possible rational roots of 2x^2 - 3x - 2 = 0 must be +-2, +-1 or +-1/2. By trying these values you will find that x = 2 and x = -1/2 are zeros, so (2x + 1) and (x - 2) are factors.

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