Identify a, b, c: Identify a, b, and c in the quadratic expression 3x2−5x+2. Compare 3x2−5x+2 with ax2+bx+c. a=3b0b1
Find two numbers: Find two numbers whose product is a∗c (3∗2=6) and whose sum is b (−5).We need to find two numbers that multiply to 6 and add up to −5.The numbers −2 and −3 work because:−2×−3=6−2+−3=−5
Rewrite middle term: Rewrite the middle term −5x using the two numbers found in Step 2.3x2−5x+2 can be rewritten as:3x2−2x−3x+2
Factor by grouping: Factor by grouping.Group the terms as follows: 3x2−2x + −3x+2Factor out the common factors from each group.x(3x−2)−1(3x−2)
Factor out common binomial: Factor out the common binomial factor.The common binomial factor is (3x−2).The factored form is (x−1)(3x−2).