Question

Which expression is equivalent to 2x^2 + 5x - 3

Answer 1

`2x^2+5x-3`

The coefficient of x² is 2 and the constant term is -3. The product of 2 and -3 is -6. So, the factors of -6 which sum to 5 are -1 and 6, therefore:

`2x^2+5x-3=2x^2+6x-x-3=3(2x-1)+x(2x-1)`

Factor 2x-1 from the previous expression:

`(2x-1)(3+x)`