113k views
0 votes
Given that
(ax+4)(2x+b)=2x^2+5x-12, what are the values of a and b?

User HankCa
by
3.6k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

a = 1, b = - 3

Explanation:

Expand the factors on the left side, then compare the coefficients of like terms on both sides.

left side

(ax + 4)(2x + b) ← expand using FOIL

= 2ax² + abx +8x + 4b

= 2ax² + x(ab + 8) + 4b

Compare coefficients of like terms with those on right side.

coefficients of x² terms

2a = 2 ( divide both sides by 2 )

a = 1

comparing constant terms

4b = - 12 ( divide both sides by 4 )

b = - 3

User Debergalis
by
3.7k points