Is it possible to factor y=3x3+8x2+3x−2? If so, what are the factors?
1 Answer
Feb 12, 2016
3x3+8x2+3x−2=(x+1)(3x−1)(x+2)
Explanation:
Let
First notice that
y=3x3+8x2+3x−2=(x+1)(3x2+5x−2)
We can factor the remaining quadratic by grouping, with the help of an AC Method.
Look for a pair of factors of
3x2+5x−2
=3x2+6x−x−2
=(3x2+6x)−(x+2)
=3x(x+2)−1(x+2)
=(3x−1)(x+2)
Putting it all together:
3x3+8x2+3x−2=(x+1)(3x−1)(x+2)