Is it possible to factor y=x^2 + 3x - 10 y=x2+3x10? If so, what are the factors?

1 Answer
Dec 21, 2015

It is possible to factor it in RR, and it's factorized form is y = (x - (3+sqrt49)/2)(x - (3 - sqrt49)/2).

Explanation:

In order to know if there are real roots for this polynomial, you need to calculate Delta = b^2 - 4ac. Here, Delta = 9 - 4*(-10) = 49 so it has two real roots.

They're given by the quadratic formula (-b+- sqrtDelta)/(2a). We apply it to this trinomial and the roots are (-3 +- sqrt49)/2