SOLUTION: Tutor how do I factor 3y^2-14y-24 do I have to find out what y is first? Thank you.

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Question 134831: Tutor how do I factor 3y^2-14y-24 do I have to find out what y is first? Thank you.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
factor 3y^2-14y-24
Use the AC Method:
AC = 3*-24 = -72
B = -14
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Think of two numbers whose sum is -72 and whose product is -14
The numbers are -18 and +4
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Rewrite the original problem putting -18y+4y in place of -14y:
= 3y^2-18y+4y-24
Factor the 1st two and the last two terms separately:
= 3y(y-6)+4(y-6)
Factor again:
= (y-6)(3y+4)
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Cheers,
Stan H.