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11 votes
Which of the following is a factor of 2x^2 - 7x - 15?

a. 2x - 5
b. x - 5
c. x - 3
Please explain

User Caram
by
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1 Answer

7 votes
B. x-5
The answer is B because:
Step 1: You have to write -7x as a difference

2x^2+3x-10x-15


Step 2: Factor out x from the expression

x(2x+3)-10x-15


Step 3: Factor out -5 from the expression because it is the GCF(greatest common factor) of both -10 and -15
x(2x+3) -5(2x+3)


Step 4: Factor out 2x+3 from the expression

(2x+3)(x-5)


Step 5: Look at equation and see what options listed are present in the equation

Step 6 (optional check): Use foil method for the expression (2x+3)(x-5). You will then get the expression you started out with as an answer 2x^2+3x-10x-15.
User Ehsan Rosdi
by
4.7k points