Identify coefficients: Identify the coefficients a, b, and c in the quadratic expression 2u2+17u+8 by comparing it to the standard form ax2+bx+c.a=2, b=17, c=8
Find suitable numbers: Find two numbers that multiply to a∗c (2∗8=16) and add up to b (17). The numbers that satisfy these conditions are 1 and 16 because 1∗16=16 and 1+16=17.
Rewrite middle term: Rewrite the middle term 17u using the two numbers found in the previous step: 2u2+17u+8=2u2+1u+16u+8.
Group terms into pairs: Group the terms into two pairs: 2u2+1u and 16u+8.
Factor out common factors: Factor out the greatest common factor from each pair. From the first pair, factor out u: u(2u+1). From the second pair, factor out 8: 8(u+1).
Correct previous step: Notice that there is a mistake in the previous step. The common factor in the second pair should be 8, but the expression inside the parentheses should be the same as the first pair for the expression to be factorable. We need to correct this.
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