SOLUTION: I am getting confused on this question, but let me show what I have first! 14x^2 -20x +16 I know that I need to find the common factor first. 14x^2 - 20x + 16 = 2 (7x^

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I am getting confused on this question, but let me show what I have first! 14x^2 -20x +16 I know that I need to find the common factor first. 14x^2 - 20x + 16 = 2 (7x^      Log On


   



Question 104040This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra
: I am getting confused on this question, but let me show what I have first!
14x^2 -20x +16
I know that I need to find the common factor first.
14x^2 - 20x + 16 = 2 (7x^2 - 10x + 8)
It is at this point I really get confused on the possible factorizations to get the correct middle term.

Can you please break this down so that I understand how to get the answer?
This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the factors of 7 are 7 and 1 ... these have to be combined with factors of 8 to get -10
since the 8 is positive and the 10 is negative, the factors have to be negative

factors of 8: +-1,8 ... +-2,4

this is NOT factorable

IF the 8 were negative; the factors would be (7x+4)(x-2)