How do you factor 4y² -13y -12?

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Answer 1 · 2015-05-30T18:08:21

Use a version of the AC Method.

#A=4#, #B=13#, #C=12#

Look for a pair of factors of #AC=48# whose difference is #B=13#.

#16# and #3# work.

Use this pair to split the middle term then factor by grouping...

#4y^2-13y-12#

#=4y^2+3y-16y-12#

#=(4y^2+3y)-(16y+12)#

#=y(4y+3)-4(4y+3)#

#=(y-4)(4y+3)#