How do you solve #2x^2-5x-3# by factoring?

1 Answer

#(x-3)(2x+1)#

Explanation:

#2x3=6# so then you must find two numbers (a negative and a positive since there are two negatives in the original problem) that will add up to #5# and multiply to #6#.

The numbers are then #-6# and #+1# which gives you:

#2x^2+1x-6x-3#

Split down the middle and factor out an #x# and a #-3#

#x(2x+1) + -3(2x+1)#

Take the leading coefficients and you'll finish with

#(x-3)(2x+1)#

Hope this helps!