Question

Raul is attempting to factor the expression 3x^2-14x-5. In his first step, he rewrites the expression as 3x^2+15x-x-5. Which of the following statements in true about Raul’s work?
A.

Raul’s first step is correct. He should continue to factor the expression.
B.

The two middle coefficients add to the correct number, but do not multiply to the correct number.
C.

The two middle coefficients multiply to the correct number, but do not add to the correct number.
D.

The two middle coefficients do not add or multiply to the correct number.

please answer as soon as possible

Answer 1

It would be C and here's why:
you originally start with 3x² - 14x - 5.  The AC method to factoring says you have to get two middle terms that multiply to whatever 3 × -5 is and have to add to -14. Well 3 × -5 is -15. Raul chose two middle terms of 15x and -1x and 15 × -1 is -15 so that part is correct. However 15 - 1 = 14. The middle term of our original trinomial is -14 so "The two middle coefficients multiply to the correct number, but do not add to the correct number."