Question 121868
2X^2 - 5X - 3 = 0  Original problem.

(2X + 1)(X - 3) = 0   Factor it completely.

2X + 1 = 0    X - 3 = 0   Separate it into all of the parts that equal zero.

2X = -1       X = 3    Finish.

X = - 1/2     X = 3   Finish.

Your answers are -1/2 and 3.