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The correct factorization of 12x'2 - 157x - 40: A) (3x -8)(4x - 5) B) (3x - 40)(4x + 1) C) (12x - 1)(x + 40) D) (12x - 5)(x-8)​

User Josh Davis
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1 Answer

11 votes

Answer:

B

Explanation:

12x² - 157x - 40

Consider the factors of the product of the coefficient of the x² term and the constant term which sum to give the coefficient of the x- term

product = 12 × - 40 = - 480 and sum = - 157

The factors are + 3 and - 160

Use these factors to split the x- term

12x² + 3x - 160x - 40 ( factor the first/second and third/fourth terms

= 3x(4x + 1) - 40(4x + 1) ← factor out (4x + 1) from each term

= (4x + 1)(3x - 40) ← in factored form → B

User Gmustudent
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