Question

factor completely. $5x^2 + 3x - 8$

Explanation:

Step1: Find product of a and c

$a=5, c=-8$, so $ac=5×(-8)=-40$

Step2: Find two factors of -40

Factors: 8 and -5 (since $8+(-5)=3$)

Step3: Split middle term

$5x^2 + 8x -5x -8$

Step4: Factor by grouping

$x(5x + 8) -1(5x + 8)$

Step5: Combine common factors

$(5x + 8)(x - 1)$

Answer:

$(5x + 8)(x - 1)$