Final answer:
To factor the polynomial -20 + 31x - 12x², we can factor out a 4 to simplify the equation: 4(6x² - 15.5x + 5). The quadratic expression inside the parentheses cannot be factored further.
Step-by-step explanation:
To factor the polynomial -20 + 31x - 12x², we need to find the common factors of the terms. In this case, we can factor out a 4 to simplify the equation: 4(6x² - 15.5x + 5). The quadratic expression inside the parentheses can then be factored further if possible.
To determine if the quadratic expression 6x² - 15.5x + 5 can be factored, we can use the quadratic formula or look for two numbers that multiply to give ac (where a = 6, b = -15.5, and c = 5) and add up to give b. In this case, there are no such numbers, so the quadratic expression is prime, meaning it cannot be factored further.
Learn more about Factoring Polynomials