SOLUTION: How do you factor 3x^2-10xy+8y^2? I would like you to show each step and explain why you're doing each step. Thank you so much.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: How do you factor 3x^2-10xy+8y^2? I would like you to show each step and explain why you're doing each step. Thank you so much.       Log On


   

Question 50239: How do you factor 3x^2-10xy+8y^2? I would like you to show each step and explain why you're doing each step. Thank you so much.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
How do you factor 3x^2-10xy+8y^2
-----------------
Find two numbers whose product is 3*8=24
and whose sum is -10.
The numbers are -4 and -6.
Rewrite the problem changeing the form of the 2nd term, as follows;
3x^2-6xy-4xy+8y^2
Factor the 1st two terms and the last 2 terms separately, as follows:
3x(x-2y)-4y(x-2y)
Factor again to get:
(x-2y)(3x-4y)
This procedure is called the "AC Method".
Cheers,
Stan H.