Question

3n^2−2n−8 Factoring trinomials II

Answer 1

(3n + 4) (n-2)

Explanation:

Are you asking to factor this 3n^2 - 2n -8 ?

If so the best way to do this problem is with the X method.

top: 3*(-8)

left: factor of 3*-8 right: factor of 3*-8

bottom: -2

try the factors 4 and -6 because 4*-6 = 3 *-8 = -24

Because notice that 4 + -6 = -2

so:

3n^2 -2n - 8 can be rewritten as 3n^2 -6n + 4n - 8

We should first use Distributive property to factor: 3n^2 -6n + 4n - 8

3n^2 -6n + 4n - 8 = 3n (n - 2) + 4(n - 2)

Now we factor by grouping here : (3n + 4) (n-2)

I factored out the group (n-2)

Therefore: (3n + 4) (n-2) = 3n^2 -2n - 8