Question 207704: factor trinomial completely
13n+4n^2-12
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! First you have to place the terms in descending order:
4n^2 + 13n - 12
Since the middle term is 13n which is an ODD number, the factoring CANNOT be an EVEN times EVEN combination. It is necessary therefore to begin with 4n*n
(4n_____)(n_____)
Next, the LAST times LAST must be 12 with OPPOSITE signs. It CANNOT be 6*2 since these numbers are both EVEN. My best guess will be 3*4:
(4n__3)(n__4), with opposite signs.
Let's try
(4n-3)(n+4), which checks out because the middle term is 16n-3n, which is 13n.
This is a classic problem!! For additional help with this type of problem, please see my own website by clicking on my tutor name anywhere in algebra.com. Look for the link on my homepage "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." Select "Basic Algebra", Chapter 2, and look for "Advanced Trinomial Factoring". See also my page called "MATH IN LIVING COLOR", again, Basic Algebra, Chapter 2. There I have a lot of problems like this solved in "Living Color".
R^2
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje
Seminole State College
Altamonte Springs Campus
Florida
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