SOLUTION: How do you factor 2x^2-7x-3, i know you multiple 2 and -3 but nothing else

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Question 838027: How do you factor 2x^2-7x-3, i know you multiple 2 and -3 but nothing else
Found 3 solutions by Alan3354, josgarithmetic, josh_jordan:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It'll be (ax + m)*(bx + n)
a*b = 2
m*n = -3
Find the combination that works.
It's trial and error.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Plan for the terms within each factor.
(2x_______)(x_______)

The constant terms need to give product of -3. You look at four possible choices:
(2x+1)(x-3)
-
(2x-1)(x+3)
-
(2x+3)(x-1)
-
2x-3)(x+1)
-
-
Which of those works?

Answer by josh_jordan(263) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hello. This polynomial cannot be factored with rational numbers. If the original polynomial was 2x%5E2-7x%2B3, it could be factored as (2x - 1)(x - 3). However, since the 3 in the polynomial is negative, it cannot be factored rationally.