Question

Solve the following quadratic equation 3x²-8x+5=0
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Answer 1

To solve this equation, let's factor the left side.

Although you can factor it in different ways, I will show you a trick.

First, forget about the 3 and we have x² - 8x + 5.

Now, multiply the 3 by the constant to get 15.

So we have x² - 8x + 15.

Now factor to get (x - 5)(x - 3).

Now divide each of the constants in the

binomials by the leading coefficient, 3.

So we have (x - 5/3)(x - 3/3).

Simplify to get (x - 5/3)(x - 1).

Now move any denominators in front of the x in the binomial.

Moving the 3 in front of the x, we have 3x.

So our answer is (3x - 5)(x - 1) = 0.

So either 3x - 5 = 0 or x - 1 = 0.

Solving from here, we get x = 5/3 or x = 1.