How do you factor #5x^2 - 31x + 6#?

1 Answer
EZ as pi
Jul 17, 2016

#(5x -1)(x-6)#

Explanation:

Find the factors of 5 and 6 which add to 31.
The signs are both minus.

Choose factors and find the cross-product until a sum of 31 is found.

#"5 1 " rArr 1 xx 1 = 1#
#"1 6 " rArr 5 xx 6 = 30" 30+ 1=31"#

Top row is the first factor, bottom row is the second.

#(5x -1)(x-6)#

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