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

1 Answer
Roella W.
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)#

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