solve 3x^2 + 5x = 2 by factoring.

tretre · Dec 3, 2006

Solve by factoring: 3x² + 5x = 2

3x² + 5x - 2 = 0

(3x + 2)(x + 1) = 0

(IS THAT RIGHT?)

stapel · Dec 3, 2006

You can check your factoring by multiplying the factors back together. If you end up with what you'd started with, then the factoring is correct:

Code:

       3x + 2
        x + 1
    ----------
       3x + 2
3x^2 + 2x
-------------
3x^2 + 5x + 2

Since this isn't what you'd started with, then the factoring cannot be correct.

Hint: Look for factors of (3)(-2) = -6 that are five apart.

Eliz.