Identify a, b, c: Identify a, b, and c in the quadratic expression 3x2−13x+4. Compare 3x2−13x+4 with ax2+bx+c. a=3b0b1
Find product and sum: Find two numbers whose product is a∗c (3∗4=12) and whose sum is b (−13).We need to find two numbers that multiply to 12 and add up to −13.After checking possible pairs of factors of 12 (1 and 12, 2 and 3∗4=120, 3∗4=121 and 3∗4=122), we find that none of these pairs add up to −13.This means we need to consider negative factors because the sum is negative and the product is positive.The correct pair of numbers that satisfy these conditions are 3∗4=124 and 3∗4=125.3∗4=1263∗4=127
Rewrite middle term: Rewrite the middle term −13x using the two numbers found in Step 2.3x2−13x+4 becomes 3x2−1x−12x+4.
Factor by grouping: Factor by grouping.Group the terms: 3x2−1x and −12x+4.Factor out the greatest common factor from each group.From the first group, we can factor out an x: x(3x−1).From the second group, we can factor out a −4: −4(3x−1).
Factor common binomial: Factor out the common binomial factor.We now have x(3x−1)−4(3x−1).The common binomial factor is (3x−1).Factor this out to get (3x−1)(x−4).