SOLUTION: HOW TO FACTOR 3X^2+2XY-8Y^2

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: HOW TO FACTOR 3X^2+2XY-8Y^2      Log On


   



Question 261097: HOW TO FACTOR 3X^2+2XY-8Y^2
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
HOW TO FACTOR
3X^2+2XY-8Y^2
Think of two numbers whose product is 3*-8 = -24
and whose sum is 2
The numbers are +6 and -4
Use those numbers to rewrite the middle term:
3x^2 +6xy - 4xy - 8y^2
---
Factor the 1st 2 and the last 2 terms seperately
3x(x+y)-4y(x+y)
---
Factor again to get the final answer:
(x+y)(3x-4y)
================
Cheers,
Stan H.