Identify Quadratic Expression: Identify the quadratic expression to be factored.The given quadratic expression is 5x2+x−4. We need to find two numbers that multiply to give the product of the coefficient of x2 (which is 5) and the constant term (which is −4), and at the same time, these two numbers should add up to give the coefficient of x (which is 1).
Find Two Numbers: Find two numbers that meet the criteria.We are looking for two numbers that multiply to −20 (since 5×−4=−20) and add up to 1. The numbers that meet these criteria are 5 and −4 because 5×−4=−20 and 5+(−4)=1.
Rewrite Middle Term: Rewrite the middle term using the two numbers found.We can express the middle term x as 5x−4x, which are the two numbers we found in the previous step. So, the expression becomes:5x2+5x−4x−4
Factor by Grouping: Factor by grouping.Now we group the terms to factor by grouping:(5x2+5x)−(4x+4)We can factor out a common factor from each group:5x(x+1)−4(x+1)
Factor out Common Binomial Factor: Factor out the common binomial factor.We notice that (x+1) is a common factor in both terms, so we can factor it out:(5x−4)(x+1)
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