How to factor this quadratic expression?
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
New contributor
add a comment |
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
New contributor
1
Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
– N. F. Taussig
Dec 22 at 11:06
add a comment |
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
New contributor
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
algebra-precalculus
New contributor
New contributor
edited Dec 23 at 5:18
New contributor
asked Dec 22 at 11:01
Sara
214
214
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Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
– N. F. Taussig
Dec 22 at 11:06
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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
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Welcome to MathSE. This tutorial explains how to typeset mathematics on this site.
– N. F. Taussig
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7 Answers
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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 $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$
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
add a comment |
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
$$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$
add a comment |
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,
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:
Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.
add a comment |
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 $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$
add a comment |
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.
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
add a comment |
$$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$
$$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$
$$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$
$-1$ 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}
add a comment |
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 :)
add a comment |
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7 Answers
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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 $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$
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
add a comment |
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 $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$
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
add a comment |
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 $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$
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 $$ax^2+bx+c=a(x-x_1)(x-x_2)=0$$
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
add a comment |
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
add a comment |
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
$$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$
add a comment |
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
$$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$
add a comment |
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
$$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$
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
$$2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 2x^2 - x + 6x - 3$$
edited Dec 22 at 12:36
answered Dec 22 at 11:09
N. F. Taussig
43.5k93355
43.5k93355
add a comment |
add a comment |
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,
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:
Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.
add a comment |
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,
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:
Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.
add a comment |
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,
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:
Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.
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,
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:
Note 2: These factorization techniques can come up 'empty handed' - there may be no solutions.
edited Dec 22 at 15:37
answered Dec 22 at 13:44
CopyPasteIt
4,0121627
4,0121627
add a comment |
add a comment |
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 $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$
add a comment |
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 $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$
add a comment |
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 $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$
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 $$2x^2+5x-3=(2x-1)(x+3)=(2x+6)(x-frac12)$$
edited Dec 22 at 11:30
answered Dec 22 at 11:19
Rhys Hughes
4,7611327
4,7611327
add a comment |
add a comment |
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.
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
add a comment |
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.
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
add a comment |
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.
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.
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
add a comment |
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
add a comment |
$$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$
$$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$
$$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$
$-1$ 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}
add a comment |
$$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$
$$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$
$$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$
$-1$ 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}
add a comment |
$$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$
$$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$
$$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$
$-1$ 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}
$$2x^2 + 5x − 3 = 0$$
$$ac = 2(-3) = -6$$
$$text{$^-1times 6 =phantom .^-6 $ and $ ^-1+6 = 5$}$$
$-1$ 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}
edited Dec 25 at 1:29
answered Dec 24 at 2:34
steven gregory
17.7k32257
17.7k32257
add a comment |
add a comment |
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 :)
add a comment |
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 :)
add a comment |
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 :)
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 :)
answered Dec 25 at 3:07
clathratus
3,017330
3,017330
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