SOLUTION: how would i factor this equation: 2a^2+7a^1-4

Question 210686: how would i factor this equation: 2a^2+7a^1-4
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
factor this equation: 2a^2+7a^1-4
-----------------
Use the AC Method.
a = 2 ; b = 7 ; c = -4
--------------------------
Think of two numbers whose product is AC = 2*-4 = -8
and whose sum or difference is b = 7
========================
The numbers are +8 and -1:
--
Replace the "b" term by 8a - a.
2a^2 +8a - a - 4
---
Factor the 1st two and the last two terms separately:
2a(a+4)-(a+4)
Factor again to get the final answer:
(a+4)(2a-1)
======================
Cheers,
Stan H.
RELATED QUESTIONS
how do you factor this problem? 2a^2 + 7a -... (answered by jim_thompson5910)

Please help me solve this equation: {{{(3a-5)/(a^2+4a+3)+(2a+2)/(a+3)=(a-3)/(a+1)}}}... (answered by Greenfinch)

please help me solve this equation: {{{ 7a^3-4a^2-2a+1 }}} + {{{ a^3-1... (answered by richard1234)

Please help me solve this equation: 2a+7/a^2-2a-15 -... (answered by Fombitz)

Find the factor of: 2a+7 3a-4 --------- - ------------ (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

Fully factor 81(7a+3)^4 - 72(7a+3)^2 + 16 I would like MathTherapy to solve my... (answered by Alan3354,greenestamps)

How do I subtract (7a^3 +a-4)... (answered by Alan3354)

can somebody check this? I've fixed it once but my instructor says it is still wrong. (answered by jim_thompson5910)

can somebody check this? I've fixed it once but my instructor says it is still wrong. (answered by veronica1289)