SOLUTION: I'm trying to help my child with her homework and I'm clueless. Can anyone show me how to answer this and give me the solution? Factor each polynomial completely 2aČ - 4a -2

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I'm trying to help my child with her homework and I'm clueless. Can anyone show me how to answer this and give me the solution? Factor each polynomial completely 2aČ - 4a -2       Log On


   

Question 43822: I'm trying to help my child with her homework and I'm clueless. Can anyone show me how to answer this and give me the solution?
Factor each polynomial completely
2aČ - 4a -2
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, jake_6233:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factor each polynomial completely
2aČ - 4a -2
Common factor of "2".
So, 2(a^2-2a-1)
Use the quadratic formula to factor a^2-2a-1:
a=[2+sqrt(4+4)]/2=[1+sqrt2]
OR
a=[1-sqrt2]
So the factors are:
2
(a-1-sqrt2]
[a-1+sqrt2]
Cheers,
stan H.

Answer by jake_6233(74) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2aČ - 4a -2 We have
a^2- 2a -1 then it is necessary to use the quadratic formula
x = (-(-2) +- sqrt( (-2_^2-4*2*(-2) ))/(2*2)
(16+-4*sqrt2)/4
Simplifying we have 4 +- sqrt2
I hope this helps