Question

Factor the polynomial expression 15x^2 - 2x - 8

Answer 1

Answer:

(3 x + 2) (5 x - 4)

Step-by-step explanation:

Factor the following:

15 x^2 - 2 x - 8

Factor the quadratic 15 x^2 - 2 x - 8. The coefficient of x^2 is 15 and the constant term is -8. The product of 15 and -8 is -120. The factors of -120 which sum to -2 are 10 and -12. So 15 x^2 - 2 x - 8 = 15 x^2 - 12 x + 10 x - 8 = 5 x (3 x + 2) - 4 (3 x + 2):

5 x (3 x + 2) - 4 (3 x + 2)

Factor 3 x + 2 from 5 x (3 x + 2) - 4 (3 x + 2):

Answer: (3 x + 2) (5 x - 4)