How to factor this quadratic expression?












4














A bit confused on how to factor $2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$. Firstly, I multiplied $a cdot c$, so $2(-3)=-6$, however couldn't find two numbers that will add up to $5$. Then, I thought of the factors could be $6(-1)=-6$, and $6+-1=5$. However, shouldn't the $a$ and $c$ values always be multiplied together, (the $(2)(-3)$, rather than $6(-1)$?



When following the factors $-1$ and $6$. I have



$(2x^2-1x)(6x-3)$



$x(2x-1)+3(2x-1)$



Is this correct, if not; what is the best way to solve a leading coefficient when factoring?










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    Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
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4














A bit confused on how to factor $2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$. Firstly, I multiplied $a cdot c$, so $2(-3)=-6$, however couldn't find two numbers that will add up to $5$. Then, I thought of the factors could be $6(-1)=-6$, and $6+-1=5$. However, shouldn't the $a$ and $c$ values always be multiplied together, (the $(2)(-3)$, rather than $6(-1)$?



When following the factors $-1$ and $6$. I have



$(2x^2-1x)(6x-3)$



$x(2x-1)+3(2x-1)$



Is this correct, if not; what is the best way to solve a leading coefficient when factoring?










share|cite|improve this question









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  • 1




    Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
    – N. F. Taussig
    Dec 22 at 11:06














4












4








4







A bit confused on how to factor $2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$. Firstly, I multiplied $a cdot c$, so $2(-3)=-6$, however couldn't find two numbers that will add up to $5$. Then, I thought of the factors could be $6(-1)=-6$, and $6+-1=5$. However, shouldn't the $a$ and $c$ values always be multiplied together, (the $(2)(-3)$, rather than $6(-1)$?



When following the factors $-1$ and $6$. I have



$(2x^2-1x)(6x-3)$



$x(2x-1)+3(2x-1)$



Is this correct, if not; what is the best way to solve a leading coefficient when factoring?










share|cite|improve this question









New contributor




Sara is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











A bit confused on how to factor $2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$. Firstly, I multiplied $a cdot c$, so $2(-3)=-6$, however couldn't find two numbers that will add up to $5$. Then, I thought of the factors could be $6(-1)=-6$, and $6+-1=5$. However, shouldn't the $a$ and $c$ values always be multiplied together, (the $(2)(-3)$, rather than $6(-1)$?



When following the factors $-1$ and $6$. I have



$(2x^2-1x)(6x-3)$



$x(2x-1)+3(2x-1)$



Is this correct, if not; what is the best way to solve a leading coefficient when factoring?







algebra-precalculus






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edited Dec 23 at 5:18





















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asked Dec 22 at 11:01









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  • 1




    Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
    – N. F. Taussig
    Dec 22 at 11:06














  • 1




    Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
    – N. F. Taussig
    Dec 22 at 11:06








1




1




Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
– N. F. Taussig
Dec 22 at 11:06




Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
– N. F. Taussig
Dec 22 at 11:06










7 Answers
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2














Yes your solution is correct.



Further, note that if you know how to solve a quadratic equation, it's much more easier to factorise in those cases. Suppose the equation is $ax^2+bx+c=0$, and you can find it's roots, $x_1,x_2$. Then, you can simply write $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$






share|cite|improve this answer





















  • The line $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3)$ is incorrect.
    – N. F. Taussig
    Dec 22 at 11:16










  • It's $+$ I think. It's a typo
    – Ankit Kumar
    Dec 22 at 11:18



















2














We need to find two numbers with product $2(-3) = -6$ and sum $5$. You are correct that the numbers are $-1$ and $6$. Splitting the linear term yields
begin{align*}
2x^2 + 5x - 3 & = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3 && text{split the linear term}\
& = x(2x - 1) + 3(2x - 1) && text{factor by grouping}\
& = (x + 3)(2x - 1) && text{extract the common factor}
end{align*}

which you can verify by multiplying the factors.



You should not write $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x - 3)$ since
begin{align*}
(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3) & = 2x^2(6x + 3) - 1x(6x + 3)\
& = 12x^3 + 6x^2 - 6x^2 -3x\
& = 12x^3 - 3x\
& neq 2x^2 + 5x - 3
end{align*}

Instead, you can write $(2x^2 - 1x) + (6x - 3)$ or $2x^2 - 1x + 6x - 3$.



Also, you should be including equals signs since you are asserting that
$$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$






share|cite|improve this answer































    1














    It is worth reviewing the theory behind the OP's technique.



    Assume always that $a$ is a positive integer, $a ge 1$.



    Suppose



    $tag 1 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1x+e_1)(d_2x+e_2)$



    where the constants $b, c, d_1. e_1, d_2 text{ and } e_2$ are all integers.



    If $text{(1)}$ holds true then we can write



    $tag 2 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1'x+e_1')(d_2'x+e_2')$



    with integer constants $d_1', e_1', d_2' text{ and } e_2'$ such that $d_1' text{ and } d_2'$ are both positive.



    Hint: If necessary, apply $(-1)(-1) = 1$ to the rhs of $text{(1)}$



    Now we are looking for a '$text{(1)}$ factorization' of $2x^2 + 5x − 3$. Since $a =2$ is prime, we let $d_1 = 2$ and renaming the (unknown) constants, write,



    $tag 3 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x+u)(x+v)=2x^2 + (2v+u)x + uv$



    Noticing that $uv = -3$ restricts things considerably, we create a google spreadsheet,



    enter image description here



    and find the answer:



    $tag 4 u = -1 text{ and } v = 3$



    so



    $tag 5 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x-1)(x+3)$



    This technique, with the same size spreadsheet, can be used whenever both $a$ and $c$ are prime numbers. In general, you'll have to organize your work and break things down into more cases to find the solution (c.f. the BOX METHOD). However, the approach discussed here, can be extended and methodically applied to handle any of these problems.



    Note 1: If you are lazy, just fill in the first row of the spreadsheet for the choices available for $u$, and then use cell formulas:



    enter image description here



    Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.






    share|cite|improve this answer































      0














      We have that $(2x+a)(x+b)=2x^2+5x-3$, where $x=-frac a2$ and $x=-b$ are the solutions you require.



      Then $$(2x^2+(a+2b)x+ab=2x^2+5x-3$$
      leads to $$a+2b=5; ab=-3$$
      We set $b=frac12(5-a)tofrac12a(5-a)=-3 to a^2-5a-6=0$
      $$to a=-1, 6$$
      $$to b= 3, -frac 12$$



      So $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$






      share|cite|improve this answer































        0














        One could start with multiplying the polynomial with $2$ and get $$4x^2+10x-6=(2x)^2+5(2x)-6$$ which can be seen as a simple equation in $2x$ with factoring $((2x)+6)((2x)-1)$.



        Taking out the added factor $2$ leaves $(x+3)(2x-1).$



        For the general quadratic polynomial with integer coefficients $ax^2+bx+c$ the same approach requires the factoring of $a(ax^2+bx+c)=(ax)^2+b(ax)+ac$.



        If a factoring $((ax)+m)((ax)+n)$ with integers $m$ and $n$ exists, then general theory guarantees that the extra factor $a$ can be taken out and still leave a factoring with only integer coefficients.






        share|cite|improve this answer























        • Nice idea. Could you expand your idea to explain how the values of $a$ and $c$ in the original polynomial relate to the coefficients of the new associated polynomial?
          – John Joy
          Dec 23 at 14:13



















        0














        $$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$



        $$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$



        $$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$





        $-1$ and $6$ are correct. What you did after that is wrong.



        Here are two methods that I know of for proceeding from $-1$ and $6$.



        Method 1. Replace $5x$ with $-1x+6x$ and factor-by-pairing-off.



        begin{array}{c}
        2x^2 + 5x − 3 \
        2x^2 -1x + 6x - 3 \
        (2x^2 -1x) + (6x - 3) \
        x(2x-1) + 3(2x-1) \
        (x+3)(2x-1)
        end{array}



        Method 2. Write out $(ax-1)(ax+6)$ and then divide out the greatest common divisors.
        begin{array}{c}
        (2x-1)(2x+6) &{gcd(2,-1)=1 text{and} gcd(2,6)=2}\
        dfrac{(2x-1)}{1} cdot dfrac{(2x+6)}{2} \
        (2x-1)(x+3)
        end{array}






        share|cite|improve this answer































          0














          So we can actually generalize this. Say we have the polynomial
          $$p(x)=ax^2+bx+c$$
          Fact:
          $$p(x)=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$





          Proof:



          Let's assume the existence of three real numbers $r_1$, $r_2$, and $e_1$ such that
          $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1(x-r_1)(x-r_2)$$
          If we expand the product on the right hand side and then compare coefficients,
          $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1x^2-e_1(r_1+r_2)x+e_1r_1r_2$$
          we get a system of equations
          $$e_1=a\-e_1(r_1+r_2)=b\e_1r_1r_2=c$$
          Evidently, we get $e_1=a$ for free. So we update our system of equations:
          $$r_1+r_2=-frac{b}{a}\r_1r_2=frac{c}{a}$$
          We can solve each equation for $r_2$:
          $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1\r_2=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
          So we can set the two equations equal to each-other:
          $$-frac{b}{a}-r_1=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
          $$r_1+frac{c}{ar_1}=-frac{b}{a}$$
          multiplying both sides by $ar_1$,
          $$ar_1^2+br_1=-c$$
          Then we add $frac{b^2}{4a}$ to both sides:
          $$ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
          Then we note that
          $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}$$
          So we plug it in:
          $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
          $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a}$$
          $$(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}$$
          $$r_1+b/2a=sqrt{frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}}$$
          $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{sqrt{4a^2}}$$
          $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
          $$r_1=frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
          And since we know that
          $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1$$
          We know that
          $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-bigg(frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
          $$r_2=-frac{2b}{2a}+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
          $$r_2=frac{b-2b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
          $$r_2=frac{-b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
          And by definition,
          $$ax^2+bx+c=abigg(x+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)bigg(x+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
          $$ax^2+bx+c=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$
          And with that our proof is complete :)






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            7 Answers
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            7 Answers
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            2














            Yes your solution is correct.



            Further, note that if you know how to solve a quadratic equation, it's much more easier to factorise in those cases. Suppose the equation is $ax^2+bx+c=0$, and you can find it's roots, $x_1,x_2$. Then, you can simply write $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$






            share|cite|improve this answer





















            • The line $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3)$ is incorrect.
              – N. F. Taussig
              Dec 22 at 11:16










            • It's $+$ I think. It's a typo
              – Ankit Kumar
              Dec 22 at 11:18
















            2














            Yes your solution is correct.



            Further, note that if you know how to solve a quadratic equation, it's much more easier to factorise in those cases. Suppose the equation is $ax^2+bx+c=0$, and you can find it's roots, $x_1,x_2$. Then, you can simply write $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$






            share|cite|improve this answer





















            • The line $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3)$ is incorrect.
              – N. F. Taussig
              Dec 22 at 11:16










            • It's $+$ I think. It's a typo
              – Ankit Kumar
              Dec 22 at 11:18














            2












            2








            2






            Yes your solution is correct.



            Further, note that if you know how to solve a quadratic equation, it's much more easier to factorise in those cases. Suppose the equation is $ax^2+bx+c=0$, and you can find it's roots, $x_1,x_2$. Then, you can simply write $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$






            share|cite|improve this answer












            Yes your solution is correct.



            Further, note that if you know how to solve a quadratic equation, it's much more easier to factorise in those cases. Suppose the equation is $ax^2+bx+c=0$, and you can find it's roots, $x_1,x_2$. Then, you can simply write $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$







            share|cite|improve this answer












            share|cite|improve this answer



            share|cite|improve this answer










            answered Dec 22 at 11:14









            Ankit Kumar

            1,603119




            1,603119












            • The line $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3)$ is incorrect.
              – N. F. Taussig
              Dec 22 at 11:16










            • It's $+$ I think. It's a typo
              – Ankit Kumar
              Dec 22 at 11:18


















            • The line $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3)$ is incorrect.
              – N. F. Taussig
              Dec 22 at 11:16










            • It's $+$ I think. It's a typo
              – Ankit Kumar
              Dec 22 at 11:18
















            The line $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3)$ is incorrect.
            – N. F. Taussig
            Dec 22 at 11:16




            The line $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3)$ is incorrect.
            – N. F. Taussig
            Dec 22 at 11:16












            It's $+$ I think. It's a typo
            – Ankit Kumar
            Dec 22 at 11:18




            It's $+$ I think. It's a typo
            – Ankit Kumar
            Dec 22 at 11:18











            2














            We need to find two numbers with product $2(-3) = -6$ and sum $5$. You are correct that the numbers are $-1$ and $6$. Splitting the linear term yields
            begin{align*}
            2x^2 + 5x - 3 & = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3 && text{split the linear term}\
            & = x(2x - 1) + 3(2x - 1) && text{factor by grouping}\
            & = (x + 3)(2x - 1) && text{extract the common factor}
            end{align*}

            which you can verify by multiplying the factors.



            You should not write $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x - 3)$ since
            begin{align*}
            (2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3) & = 2x^2(6x + 3) - 1x(6x + 3)\
            & = 12x^3 + 6x^2 - 6x^2 -3x\
            & = 12x^3 - 3x\
            & neq 2x^2 + 5x - 3
            end{align*}

            Instead, you can write $(2x^2 - 1x) + (6x - 3)$ or $2x^2 - 1x + 6x - 3$.



            Also, you should be including equals signs since you are asserting that
            $$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$






            share|cite|improve this answer




























              2














              We need to find two numbers with product $2(-3) = -6$ and sum $5$. You are correct that the numbers are $-1$ and $6$. Splitting the linear term yields
              begin{align*}
              2x^2 + 5x - 3 & = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3 && text{split the linear term}\
              & = x(2x - 1) + 3(2x - 1) && text{factor by grouping}\
              & = (x + 3)(2x - 1) && text{extract the common factor}
              end{align*}

              which you can verify by multiplying the factors.



              You should not write $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x - 3)$ since
              begin{align*}
              (2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3) & = 2x^2(6x + 3) - 1x(6x + 3)\
              & = 12x^3 + 6x^2 - 6x^2 -3x\
              & = 12x^3 - 3x\
              & neq 2x^2 + 5x - 3
              end{align*}

              Instead, you can write $(2x^2 - 1x) + (6x - 3)$ or $2x^2 - 1x + 6x - 3$.



              Also, you should be including equals signs since you are asserting that
              $$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$






              share|cite|improve this answer


























                2












                2








                2






                We need to find two numbers with product $2(-3) = -6$ and sum $5$. You are correct that the numbers are $-1$ and $6$. Splitting the linear term yields
                begin{align*}
                2x^2 + 5x - 3 & = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3 && text{split the linear term}\
                & = x(2x - 1) + 3(2x - 1) && text{factor by grouping}\
                & = (x + 3)(2x - 1) && text{extract the common factor}
                end{align*}

                which you can verify by multiplying the factors.



                You should not write $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x - 3)$ since
                begin{align*}
                (2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3) & = 2x^2(6x + 3) - 1x(6x + 3)\
                & = 12x^3 + 6x^2 - 6x^2 -3x\
                & = 12x^3 - 3x\
                & neq 2x^2 + 5x - 3
                end{align*}

                Instead, you can write $(2x^2 - 1x) + (6x - 3)$ or $2x^2 - 1x + 6x - 3$.



                Also, you should be including equals signs since you are asserting that
                $$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$






                share|cite|improve this answer














                We need to find two numbers with product $2(-3) = -6$ and sum $5$. You are correct that the numbers are $-1$ and $6$. Splitting the linear term yields
                begin{align*}
                2x^2 + 5x - 3 & = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3 && text{split the linear term}\
                & = x(2x - 1) + 3(2x - 1) && text{factor by grouping}\
                & = (x + 3)(2x - 1) && text{extract the common factor}
                end{align*}

                which you can verify by multiplying the factors.



                You should not write $(2x^2 - 1x)(6x - 3)$ since
                begin{align*}
                (2x^2 - 1x)(6x + 3) & = 2x^2(6x + 3) - 1x(6x + 3)\
                & = 12x^3 + 6x^2 - 6x^2 -3x\
                & = 12x^3 - 3x\
                & neq 2x^2 + 5x - 3
                end{align*}

                Instead, you can write $(2x^2 - 1x) + (6x - 3)$ or $2x^2 - 1x + 6x - 3$.



                Also, you should be including equals signs since you are asserting that
                $$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$







                share|cite|improve this answer














                share|cite|improve this answer



                share|cite|improve this answer








                edited Dec 22 at 12:36

























                answered Dec 22 at 11:09









                N. F. Taussig

                43.5k93355




                43.5k93355























                    1














                    It is worth reviewing the theory behind the OP's technique.



                    Assume always that $a$ is a positive integer, $a ge 1$.



                    Suppose



                    $tag 1 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1x+e_1)(d_2x+e_2)$



                    where the constants $b, c, d_1. e_1, d_2 text{ and } e_2$ are all integers.



                    If $text{(1)}$ holds true then we can write



                    $tag 2 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1'x+e_1')(d_2'x+e_2')$



                    with integer constants $d_1', e_1', d_2' text{ and } e_2'$ such that $d_1' text{ and } d_2'$ are both positive.



                    Hint: If necessary, apply $(-1)(-1) = 1$ to the rhs of $text{(1)}$



                    Now we are looking for a '$text{(1)}$ factorization' of $2x^2 + 5x − 3$. Since $a =2$ is prime, we let $d_1 = 2$ and renaming the (unknown) constants, write,



                    $tag 3 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x+u)(x+v)=2x^2 + (2v+u)x + uv$



                    Noticing that $uv = -3$ restricts things considerably, we create a google spreadsheet,



                    enter image description here



                    and find the answer:



                    $tag 4 u = -1 text{ and } v = 3$



                    so



                    $tag 5 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x-1)(x+3)$



                    This technique, with the same size spreadsheet, can be used whenever both $a$ and $c$ are prime numbers. In general, you'll have to organize your work and break things down into more cases to find the solution (c.f. the BOX METHOD). However, the approach discussed here, can be extended and methodically applied to handle any of these problems.



                    Note 1: If you are lazy, just fill in the first row of the spreadsheet for the choices available for $u$, and then use cell formulas:



                    enter image description here



                    Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.






                    share|cite|improve this answer




























                      1














                      It is worth reviewing the theory behind the OP's technique.



                      Assume always that $a$ is a positive integer, $a ge 1$.



                      Suppose



                      $tag 1 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1x+e_1)(d_2x+e_2)$



                      where the constants $b, c, d_1. e_1, d_2 text{ and } e_2$ are all integers.



                      If $text{(1)}$ holds true then we can write



                      $tag 2 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1'x+e_1')(d_2'x+e_2')$



                      with integer constants $d_1', e_1', d_2' text{ and } e_2'$ such that $d_1' text{ and } d_2'$ are both positive.



                      Hint: If necessary, apply $(-1)(-1) = 1$ to the rhs of $text{(1)}$



                      Now we are looking for a '$text{(1)}$ factorization' of $2x^2 + 5x − 3$. Since $a =2$ is prime, we let $d_1 = 2$ and renaming the (unknown) constants, write,



                      $tag 3 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x+u)(x+v)=2x^2 + (2v+u)x + uv$



                      Noticing that $uv = -3$ restricts things considerably, we create a google spreadsheet,



                      enter image description here



                      and find the answer:



                      $tag 4 u = -1 text{ and } v = 3$



                      so



                      $tag 5 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x-1)(x+3)$



                      This technique, with the same size spreadsheet, can be used whenever both $a$ and $c$ are prime numbers. In general, you'll have to organize your work and break things down into more cases to find the solution (c.f. the BOX METHOD). However, the approach discussed here, can be extended and methodically applied to handle any of these problems.



                      Note 1: If you are lazy, just fill in the first row of the spreadsheet for the choices available for $u$, and then use cell formulas:



                      enter image description here



                      Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.






                      share|cite|improve this answer


























                        1












                        1








                        1






                        It is worth reviewing the theory behind the OP's technique.



                        Assume always that $a$ is a positive integer, $a ge 1$.



                        Suppose



                        $tag 1 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1x+e_1)(d_2x+e_2)$



                        where the constants $b, c, d_1. e_1, d_2 text{ and } e_2$ are all integers.



                        If $text{(1)}$ holds true then we can write



                        $tag 2 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1'x+e_1')(d_2'x+e_2')$



                        with integer constants $d_1', e_1', d_2' text{ and } e_2'$ such that $d_1' text{ and } d_2'$ are both positive.



                        Hint: If necessary, apply $(-1)(-1) = 1$ to the rhs of $text{(1)}$



                        Now we are looking for a '$text{(1)}$ factorization' of $2x^2 + 5x − 3$. Since $a =2$ is prime, we let $d_1 = 2$ and renaming the (unknown) constants, write,



                        $tag 3 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x+u)(x+v)=2x^2 + (2v+u)x + uv$



                        Noticing that $uv = -3$ restricts things considerably, we create a google spreadsheet,



                        enter image description here



                        and find the answer:



                        $tag 4 u = -1 text{ and } v = 3$



                        so



                        $tag 5 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x-1)(x+3)$



                        This technique, with the same size spreadsheet, can be used whenever both $a$ and $c$ are prime numbers. In general, you'll have to organize your work and break things down into more cases to find the solution (c.f. the BOX METHOD). However, the approach discussed here, can be extended and methodically applied to handle any of these problems.



                        Note 1: If you are lazy, just fill in the first row of the spreadsheet for the choices available for $u$, and then use cell formulas:



                        enter image description here



                        Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.






                        share|cite|improve this answer














                        It is worth reviewing the theory behind the OP's technique.



                        Assume always that $a$ is a positive integer, $a ge 1$.



                        Suppose



                        $tag 1 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1x+e_1)(d_2x+e_2)$



                        where the constants $b, c, d_1. e_1, d_2 text{ and } e_2$ are all integers.



                        If $text{(1)}$ holds true then we can write



                        $tag 2 ax^2+bx+c= (d_1'x+e_1')(d_2'x+e_2')$



                        with integer constants $d_1', e_1', d_2' text{ and } e_2'$ such that $d_1' text{ and } d_2'$ are both positive.



                        Hint: If necessary, apply $(-1)(-1) = 1$ to the rhs of $text{(1)}$



                        Now we are looking for a '$text{(1)}$ factorization' of $2x^2 + 5x − 3$. Since $a =2$ is prime, we let $d_1 = 2$ and renaming the (unknown) constants, write,



                        $tag 3 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x+u)(x+v)=2x^2 + (2v+u)x + uv$



                        Noticing that $uv = -3$ restricts things considerably, we create a google spreadsheet,



                        enter image description here



                        and find the answer:



                        $tag 4 u = -1 text{ and } v = 3$



                        so



                        $tag 5 2x^2 + 5x − 3= (2x-1)(x+3)$



                        This technique, with the same size spreadsheet, can be used whenever both $a$ and $c$ are prime numbers. In general, you'll have to organize your work and break things down into more cases to find the solution (c.f. the BOX METHOD). However, the approach discussed here, can be extended and methodically applied to handle any of these problems.



                        Note 1: If you are lazy, just fill in the first row of the spreadsheet for the choices available for $u$, and then use cell formulas:



                        enter image description here



                        Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.







                        share|cite|improve this answer














                        share|cite|improve this answer



                        share|cite|improve this answer








                        edited Dec 22 at 15:37

























                        answered Dec 22 at 13:44









                        CopyPasteIt

                        4,0121627




                        4,0121627























                            0














                            We have that $(2x+a)(x+b)=2x^2+5x-3$, where $x=-frac a2$ and $x=-b$ are the solutions you require.



                            Then $$(2x^2+(a+2b)x+ab=2x^2+5x-3$$
                            leads to $$a+2b=5; ab=-3$$
                            We set $b=frac12(5-a)tofrac12a(5-a)=-3 to a^2-5a-6=0$
                            $$to a=-1, 6$$
                            $$to b= 3, -frac 12$$



                            So $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$






                            share|cite|improve this answer




























                              0














                              We have that $(2x+a)(x+b)=2x^2+5x-3$, where $x=-frac a2$ and $x=-b$ are the solutions you require.



                              Then $$(2x^2+(a+2b)x+ab=2x^2+5x-3$$
                              leads to $$a+2b=5; ab=-3$$
                              We set $b=frac12(5-a)tofrac12a(5-a)=-3 to a^2-5a-6=0$
                              $$to a=-1, 6$$
                              $$to b= 3, -frac 12$$



                              So $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$






                              share|cite|improve this answer


























                                0












                                0








                                0






                                We have that $(2x+a)(x+b)=2x^2+5x-3$, where $x=-frac a2$ and $x=-b$ are the solutions you require.



                                Then $$(2x^2+(a+2b)x+ab=2x^2+5x-3$$
                                leads to $$a+2b=5; ab=-3$$
                                We set $b=frac12(5-a)tofrac12a(5-a)=-3 to a^2-5a-6=0$
                                $$to a=-1, 6$$
                                $$to b= 3, -frac 12$$



                                So $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$






                                share|cite|improve this answer














                                We have that $(2x+a)(x+b)=2x^2+5x-3$, where $x=-frac a2$ and $x=-b$ are the solutions you require.



                                Then $$(2x^2+(a+2b)x+ab=2x^2+5x-3$$
                                leads to $$a+2b=5; ab=-3$$
                                We set $b=frac12(5-a)tofrac12a(5-a)=-3 to a^2-5a-6=0$
                                $$to a=-1, 6$$
                                $$to b= 3, -frac 12$$



                                So $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$







                                share|cite|improve this answer














                                share|cite|improve this answer



                                share|cite|improve this answer








                                edited Dec 22 at 11:30

























                                answered Dec 22 at 11:19









                                Rhys Hughes

                                4,7611327




                                4,7611327























                                    0














                                    One could start with multiplying the polynomial with $2$ and get $$4x^2+10x-6=(2x)^2+5(2x)-6$$ which can be seen as a simple equation in $2x$ with factoring $((2x)+6)((2x)-1)$.



                                    Taking out the added factor $2$ leaves $(x+3)(2x-1).$



                                    For the general quadratic polynomial with integer coefficients $ax^2+bx+c$ the same approach requires the factoring of $a(ax^2+bx+c)=(ax)^2+b(ax)+ac$.



                                    If a factoring $((ax)+m)((ax)+n)$ with integers $m$ and $n$ exists, then general theory guarantees that the extra factor $a$ can be taken out and still leave a factoring with only integer coefficients.






                                    share|cite|improve this answer























                                    • Nice idea. Could you expand your idea to explain how the values of $a$ and $c$ in the original polynomial relate to the coefficients of the new associated polynomial?
                                      – John Joy
                                      Dec 23 at 14:13
















                                    0














                                    One could start with multiplying the polynomial with $2$ and get $$4x^2+10x-6=(2x)^2+5(2x)-6$$ which can be seen as a simple equation in $2x$ with factoring $((2x)+6)((2x)-1)$.



                                    Taking out the added factor $2$ leaves $(x+3)(2x-1).$



                                    For the general quadratic polynomial with integer coefficients $ax^2+bx+c$ the same approach requires the factoring of $a(ax^2+bx+c)=(ax)^2+b(ax)+ac$.



                                    If a factoring $((ax)+m)((ax)+n)$ with integers $m$ and $n$ exists, then general theory guarantees that the extra factor $a$ can be taken out and still leave a factoring with only integer coefficients.






                                    share|cite|improve this answer























                                    • Nice idea. Could you expand your idea to explain how the values of $a$ and $c$ in the original polynomial relate to the coefficients of the new associated polynomial?
                                      – John Joy
                                      Dec 23 at 14:13














                                    0












                                    0








                                    0






                                    One could start with multiplying the polynomial with $2$ and get $$4x^2+10x-6=(2x)^2+5(2x)-6$$ which can be seen as a simple equation in $2x$ with factoring $((2x)+6)((2x)-1)$.



                                    Taking out the added factor $2$ leaves $(x+3)(2x-1).$



                                    For the general quadratic polynomial with integer coefficients $ax^2+bx+c$ the same approach requires the factoring of $a(ax^2+bx+c)=(ax)^2+b(ax)+ac$.



                                    If a factoring $((ax)+m)((ax)+n)$ with integers $m$ and $n$ exists, then general theory guarantees that the extra factor $a$ can be taken out and still leave a factoring with only integer coefficients.






                                    share|cite|improve this answer














                                    One could start with multiplying the polynomial with $2$ and get $$4x^2+10x-6=(2x)^2+5(2x)-6$$ which can be seen as a simple equation in $2x$ with factoring $((2x)+6)((2x)-1)$.



                                    Taking out the added factor $2$ leaves $(x+3)(2x-1).$



                                    For the general quadratic polynomial with integer coefficients $ax^2+bx+c$ the same approach requires the factoring of $a(ax^2+bx+c)=(ax)^2+b(ax)+ac$.



                                    If a factoring $((ax)+m)((ax)+n)$ with integers $m$ and $n$ exists, then general theory guarantees that the extra factor $a$ can be taken out and still leave a factoring with only integer coefficients.







                                    share|cite|improve this answer














                                    share|cite|improve this answer



                                    share|cite|improve this answer








                                    edited Dec 24 at 1:30

























                                    answered Dec 22 at 12:19









                                    random

                                    47126




                                    47126












                                    • Nice idea. Could you expand your idea to explain how the values of $a$ and $c$ in the original polynomial relate to the coefficients of the new associated polynomial?
                                      – John Joy
                                      Dec 23 at 14:13


















                                    • Nice idea. Could you expand your idea to explain how the values of $a$ and $c$ in the original polynomial relate to the coefficients of the new associated polynomial?
                                      – John Joy
                                      Dec 23 at 14:13
















                                    Nice idea. Could you expand your idea to explain how the values of $a$ and $c$ in the original polynomial relate to the coefficients of the new associated polynomial?
                                    – John Joy
                                    Dec 23 at 14:13




                                    Nice idea. Could you expand your idea to explain how the values of $a$ and $c$ in the original polynomial relate to the coefficients of the new associated polynomial?
                                    – John Joy
                                    Dec 23 at 14:13











                                    0














                                    $$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$



                                    $$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$



                                    $$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$





                                    $-1$ and $6$ are correct. What you did after that is wrong.



                                    Here are two methods that I know of for proceeding from $-1$ and $6$.



                                    Method 1. Replace $5x$ with $-1x+6x$ and factor-by-pairing-off.



                                    begin{array}{c}
                                    2x^2 + 5x − 3 \
                                    2x^2 -1x + 6x - 3 \
                                    (2x^2 -1x) + (6x - 3) \
                                    x(2x-1) + 3(2x-1) \
                                    (x+3)(2x-1)
                                    end{array}



                                    Method 2. Write out $(ax-1)(ax+6)$ and then divide out the greatest common divisors.
                                    begin{array}{c}
                                    (2x-1)(2x+6) &{gcd(2,-1)=1 text{and} gcd(2,6)=2}\
                                    dfrac{(2x-1)}{1} cdot dfrac{(2x+6)}{2} \
                                    (2x-1)(x+3)
                                    end{array}






                                    share|cite|improve this answer




























                                      0














                                      $$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$



                                      $$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$



                                      $$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$





                                      $-1$ and $6$ are correct. What you did after that is wrong.



                                      Here are two methods that I know of for proceeding from $-1$ and $6$.



                                      Method 1. Replace $5x$ with $-1x+6x$ and factor-by-pairing-off.



                                      begin{array}{c}
                                      2x^2 + 5x − 3 \
                                      2x^2 -1x + 6x - 3 \
                                      (2x^2 -1x) + (6x - 3) \
                                      x(2x-1) + 3(2x-1) \
                                      (x+3)(2x-1)
                                      end{array}



                                      Method 2. Write out $(ax-1)(ax+6)$ and then divide out the greatest common divisors.
                                      begin{array}{c}
                                      (2x-1)(2x+6) &{gcd(2,-1)=1 text{and} gcd(2,6)=2}\
                                      dfrac{(2x-1)}{1} cdot dfrac{(2x+6)}{2} \
                                      (2x-1)(x+3)
                                      end{array}






                                      share|cite|improve this answer


























                                        0












                                        0








                                        0






                                        $$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$



                                        $$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$



                                        $$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$





                                        $-1$ and $6$ are correct. What you did after that is wrong.



                                        Here are two methods that I know of for proceeding from $-1$ and $6$.



                                        Method 1. Replace $5x$ with $-1x+6x$ and factor-by-pairing-off.



                                        begin{array}{c}
                                        2x^2 + 5x − 3 \
                                        2x^2 -1x + 6x - 3 \
                                        (2x^2 -1x) + (6x - 3) \
                                        x(2x-1) + 3(2x-1) \
                                        (x+3)(2x-1)
                                        end{array}



                                        Method 2. Write out $(ax-1)(ax+6)$ and then divide out the greatest common divisors.
                                        begin{array}{c}
                                        (2x-1)(2x+6) &{gcd(2,-1)=1 text{and} gcd(2,6)=2}\
                                        dfrac{(2x-1)}{1} cdot dfrac{(2x+6)}{2} \
                                        (2x-1)(x+3)
                                        end{array}






                                        share|cite|improve this answer














                                        $$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$



                                        $$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$



                                        $$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$





                                        $-1$ and $6$ are correct. What you did after that is wrong.



                                        Here are two methods that I know of for proceeding from $-1$ and $6$.



                                        Method 1. Replace $5x$ with $-1x+6x$ and factor-by-pairing-off.



                                        begin{array}{c}
                                        2x^2 + 5x − 3 \
                                        2x^2 -1x + 6x - 3 \
                                        (2x^2 -1x) + (6x - 3) \
                                        x(2x-1) + 3(2x-1) \
                                        (x+3)(2x-1)
                                        end{array}



                                        Method 2. Write out $(ax-1)(ax+6)$ and then divide out the greatest common divisors.
                                        begin{array}{c}
                                        (2x-1)(2x+6) &{gcd(2,-1)=1 text{and} gcd(2,6)=2}\
                                        dfrac{(2x-1)}{1} cdot dfrac{(2x+6)}{2} \
                                        (2x-1)(x+3)
                                        end{array}







                                        share|cite|improve this answer














                                        share|cite|improve this answer



                                        share|cite|improve this answer








                                        edited Dec 25 at 1:29

























                                        answered Dec 24 at 2:34









                                        steven gregory

                                        17.7k32257




                                        17.7k32257























                                            0














                                            So we can actually generalize this. Say we have the polynomial
                                            $$p(x)=ax^2+bx+c$$
                                            Fact:
                                            $$p(x)=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$





                                            Proof:



                                            Let's assume the existence of three real numbers $r_1$, $r_2$, and $e_1$ such that
                                            $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1(x-r_1)(x-r_2)$$
                                            If we expand the product on the right hand side and then compare coefficients,
                                            $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1x^2-e_1(r_1+r_2)x+e_1r_1r_2$$
                                            we get a system of equations
                                            $$e_1=a\-e_1(r_1+r_2)=b\e_1r_1r_2=c$$
                                            Evidently, we get $e_1=a$ for free. So we update our system of equations:
                                            $$r_1+r_2=-frac{b}{a}\r_1r_2=frac{c}{a}$$
                                            We can solve each equation for $r_2$:
                                            $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1\r_2=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                            So we can set the two equations equal to each-other:
                                            $$-frac{b}{a}-r_1=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                            $$r_1+frac{c}{ar_1}=-frac{b}{a}$$
                                            multiplying both sides by $ar_1$,
                                            $$ar_1^2+br_1=-c$$
                                            Then we add $frac{b^2}{4a}$ to both sides:
                                            $$ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                            Then we note that
                                            $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}$$
                                            So we plug it in:
                                            $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                            $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a}$$
                                            $$(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}$$
                                            $$r_1+b/2a=sqrt{frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}}$$
                                            $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{sqrt{4a^2}}$$
                                            $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                            $$r_1=frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                            And since we know that
                                            $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1$$
                                            We know that
                                            $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-bigg(frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                            $$r_2=-frac{2b}{2a}+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                            $$r_2=frac{b-2b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                            $$r_2=frac{-b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                            And by definition,
                                            $$ax^2+bx+c=abigg(x+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)bigg(x+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                            $$ax^2+bx+c=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$
                                            And with that our proof is complete :)






                                            share|cite|improve this answer


























                                              0














                                              So we can actually generalize this. Say we have the polynomial
                                              $$p(x)=ax^2+bx+c$$
                                              Fact:
                                              $$p(x)=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$





                                              Proof:



                                              Let's assume the existence of three real numbers $r_1$, $r_2$, and $e_1$ such that
                                              $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1(x-r_1)(x-r_2)$$
                                              If we expand the product on the right hand side and then compare coefficients,
                                              $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1x^2-e_1(r_1+r_2)x+e_1r_1r_2$$
                                              we get a system of equations
                                              $$e_1=a\-e_1(r_1+r_2)=b\e_1r_1r_2=c$$
                                              Evidently, we get $e_1=a$ for free. So we update our system of equations:
                                              $$r_1+r_2=-frac{b}{a}\r_1r_2=frac{c}{a}$$
                                              We can solve each equation for $r_2$:
                                              $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1\r_2=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                              So we can set the two equations equal to each-other:
                                              $$-frac{b}{a}-r_1=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                              $$r_1+frac{c}{ar_1}=-frac{b}{a}$$
                                              multiplying both sides by $ar_1$,
                                              $$ar_1^2+br_1=-c$$
                                              Then we add $frac{b^2}{4a}$ to both sides:
                                              $$ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                              Then we note that
                                              $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}$$
                                              So we plug it in:
                                              $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                              $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a}$$
                                              $$(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}$$
                                              $$r_1+b/2a=sqrt{frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}}$$
                                              $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{sqrt{4a^2}}$$
                                              $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                              $$r_1=frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                              And since we know that
                                              $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1$$
                                              We know that
                                              $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-bigg(frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                              $$r_2=-frac{2b}{2a}+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                              $$r_2=frac{b-2b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                              $$r_2=frac{-b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                              And by definition,
                                              $$ax^2+bx+c=abigg(x+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)bigg(x+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                              $$ax^2+bx+c=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$
                                              And with that our proof is complete :)






                                              share|cite|improve this answer
























                                                0












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                                                0






                                                So we can actually generalize this. Say we have the polynomial
                                                $$p(x)=ax^2+bx+c$$
                                                Fact:
                                                $$p(x)=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$





                                                Proof:



                                                Let's assume the existence of three real numbers $r_1$, $r_2$, and $e_1$ such that
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1(x-r_1)(x-r_2)$$
                                                If we expand the product on the right hand side and then compare coefficients,
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1x^2-e_1(r_1+r_2)x+e_1r_1r_2$$
                                                we get a system of equations
                                                $$e_1=a\-e_1(r_1+r_2)=b\e_1r_1r_2=c$$
                                                Evidently, we get $e_1=a$ for free. So we update our system of equations:
                                                $$r_1+r_2=-frac{b}{a}\r_1r_2=frac{c}{a}$$
                                                We can solve each equation for $r_2$:
                                                $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1\r_2=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                                So we can set the two equations equal to each-other:
                                                $$-frac{b}{a}-r_1=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                                $$r_1+frac{c}{ar_1}=-frac{b}{a}$$
                                                multiplying both sides by $ar_1$,
                                                $$ar_1^2+br_1=-c$$
                                                Then we add $frac{b^2}{4a}$ to both sides:
                                                $$ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                                Then we note that
                                                $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}$$
                                                So we plug it in:
                                                $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                                $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a}$$
                                                $$(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}$$
                                                $$r_1+b/2a=sqrt{frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}}$$
                                                $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{sqrt{4a^2}}$$
                                                $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                $$r_1=frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                And since we know that
                                                $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1$$
                                                We know that
                                                $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-bigg(frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                                $$r_2=-frac{2b}{2a}+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                $$r_2=frac{b-2b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                $$r_2=frac{-b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                And by definition,
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=abigg(x+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)bigg(x+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$
                                                And with that our proof is complete :)






                                                share|cite|improve this answer












                                                So we can actually generalize this. Say we have the polynomial
                                                $$p(x)=ax^2+bx+c$$
                                                Fact:
                                                $$p(x)=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$





                                                Proof:



                                                Let's assume the existence of three real numbers $r_1$, $r_2$, and $e_1$ such that
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1(x-r_1)(x-r_2)$$
                                                If we expand the product on the right hand side and then compare coefficients,
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=e_1x^2-e_1(r_1+r_2)x+e_1r_1r_2$$
                                                we get a system of equations
                                                $$e_1=a\-e_1(r_1+r_2)=b\e_1r_1r_2=c$$
                                                Evidently, we get $e_1=a$ for free. So we update our system of equations:
                                                $$r_1+r_2=-frac{b}{a}\r_1r_2=frac{c}{a}$$
                                                We can solve each equation for $r_2$:
                                                $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1\r_2=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                                So we can set the two equations equal to each-other:
                                                $$-frac{b}{a}-r_1=frac{c}{ar_1}$$
                                                $$r_1+frac{c}{ar_1}=-frac{b}{a}$$
                                                multiplying both sides by $ar_1$,
                                                $$ar_1^2+br_1=-c$$
                                                Then we add $frac{b^2}{4a}$ to both sides:
                                                $$ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                                Then we note that
                                                $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=ar_1^2+br_1+frac{b^2}{4a}$$
                                                So we plug it in:
                                                $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2}{4a}-c$$
                                                $$a(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a}$$
                                                $$(r_1+b/2a)^2=frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}$$
                                                $$r_1+b/2a=sqrt{frac{b^2-4ac}{4a^2}}$$
                                                $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{sqrt{4a^2}}$$
                                                $$r_1+b/2a=frac{sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                $$r_1=frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                And since we know that
                                                $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-r_1$$
                                                We know that
                                                $$r_2=-frac{b}{a}-bigg(frac{-b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                                $$r_2=-frac{2b}{2a}+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                $$r_2=frac{b-2b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                $$r_2=frac{-b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$
                                                And by definition,
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=abigg(x+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)bigg(x+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}bigg)$$
                                                $$ax^2+bx+c=bigg(ax+frac{b-sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)bigg(ax+frac{b+sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2}bigg)$$
                                                And with that our proof is complete :)







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                                                answered Dec 25 at 3:07









                                                clathratus

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