Identify coefficients: Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression.The quadratic expression is 2x2−3x−2.Here, a=2 (coefficient of x2), b=−3 (coefficient of x), and c=−2 (constant term).
Find two numbers: Find two numbers that multiply to a∗c (which is 2∗(−2)=−4) and add up to b (which is −3).We need to find two numbers that multiply to −4 and add to −3.The numbers −4 and 1 satisfy these conditions because −4×1=−4 and −4+1=−3.
Rewrite middle term: Rewrite the middle term −3x using the two numbers found in the previous step.We can express −3x as −4x+x.So, the expression 2x2−3x−2 can be rewritten as 2x2−4x+x−2.
Factor by grouping: Factor by grouping.Group the terms into two pairs: 2x2−4x and x−2.Factor out the common factors from each pair.From the first pair, we can factor out 2x, giving us 2x(x−2).From the second pair, we can factor out 1, giving us 1(x−2).Now we have 2x(x−2)+1(x−2).
Factor out common factor: Factor out the common binomial factor (x−2). The expression can now be written as (x−2)(2x+1).