document.write( "Question 87339: Factor this polynomial completely:
\n" ); document.write( "2a^2-4a-2
\n" ); document.write( "Thank you so much in advance! \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #63260 by jim_thompson5910(35256) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In order to factor $\"2%2Aa%5E2%2B-4%2Aa%2B-2\"$ , 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\r
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Factors:\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "1,2,4,\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "-1,-2,-4, List the negative factors as well. This will allow us to find all possible combinations\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "These factors pair up to multiply to -4.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "(-1)*(4)=-4\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "(-2)*(2)=-4\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " 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\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "||||

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

\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "None of these factors add to -4. So the quadratic $\"2%2Aa%5E2%2B-4%2Aa%2B-2\"$ cannot be factored. \n" ); document.write( "

\n" );