Question

factor trinomials (a>1) level 3
score: 1/20 penalty: 0.25 off
question
factor completely.
6x² - 17x - 3
answer attempt 1 out of 2

Explanation:

Step1: Find product of a and c

$6 \times (-3) = -18$

Step2: Find two factors of -18

Factors: $1$ and $-18$ (since $1 + (-18) = -17$)

Step3: Split middle term

$6x^2 + x - 18x - 3$

Step4: Factor by grouping

$x(6x + 1) - 3(6x + 1)$

Step5: Factor out common binomial

$(6x + 1)(x - 3)$

Answer:

$(6x + 1)(x - 3)$