SOLUTION: Factor this polynomial completely:
2a^2-4a-2
Thank you so much in advance!
Algebra.Com
Question 87339: Factor this polynomial completely:
2a^2-4a-2
Thank you so much in advance!
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In order to factor , first multiply 2 and -2 to get -4 and we need to ask ourselves: What two numbers multiply to -4 and add to -4? Lets find out by listing all of the possible factors of -4
Factors:
1,2,4,
-1,-2,-4, List the negative factors as well. This will allow us to find all possible combinations
These factors pair up to multiply to -4.
(-1)*(4)=-4
(-2)*(2)=-4
Now which of these pairs add to -4? Lets make a table of all of the pairs of factors we multiplied and see which two numbers add to -4
| First Number | | | Second Number | | | Sum |
| 1 | | | -4 | || | 1+(-4)=-3 |
| 2 | | | -2 | || | 2+(-2)=0 |
| -1 | | | 4 | || | (-1)+4=3 |
| -2 | | | 2 | || | (-2)+2=0 |