Chapter 5: Problem 52
Factor completely. \(v^{2}-11 v x+24 x^{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The completely factored form of the expression is \((v - 3x)(v - 8x)\).
Step by step solution
01
- Identify the Quadratic Coefficient, Linear Coefficient, and Constant Term
Recognize that the given expression is a quadratic trinomial of the form \[ av^2 + bvx + cx^2 \] Here, the coefficients are as follows: \( a=1 \), \( b=-11 \), \( c=24 \).
02
- Find Factors of the Constant Term (24) that Add up to the Linear Coefficient (-11)
Look for two numbers that multiply to 24 (the product of \( a \times c \)) and add up to -11 (the linear coefficient). The numbers are -3 and -8, since \(-3 \times -8 = 24\) and \(-3 + -8 = -11\).
03
- Rewrite the Middle Term Using the Factors Found
Rewrite the middle term \( -11vx \) using the factors we found, -3 and -8: \[ v^2 - 3vx - 8vx + 24x^2 \].
04
- Factor by Grouping
Group the terms in pairs and factor out the greatest common factor from each pair: \[ v(v - 3x) - 8x(v - 3x) \].
05
- Factor out the Common Binomial
Notice the common binomial factor \(v - 3x\) in each term and factor that out: \[ (v - 3x)(v - 8x) \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
quadratic equation
A quadratic equation is a second-degree polynomial equation in a single variable, typically in the form: \[ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \]where:
- a is the quadratic coefficient (not equal to zero),
- b is the linear coefficient,
- c is the constant term.
factoring by grouping
Factoring by grouping is a method used to factor polynomials that have four terms. The key is to group the terms in pairs and then factor out the common factors. Here’s how we applied it:
- We started with the expression \[ v^2 - 3vx - 8vx + 24x^2 \].
- We grouped them as: \[ (v^2 - 3vx) + (-8vx + 24x^2) \].
- We factored out the greatest common factor (GCF) from each group: \[ v(v - 3x) - 8x(v - 3x) \].
algebraic expressions
Algebraic expressions are combinations of variables, numbers, and at least one arithmetic operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division). In this problem, we dealt with the algebraic expression \[ v^2 - 11vx + 24x^2 \]. To solve it, we performed operations on the expression:
- We first identified the coefficients and constant terms.
- Then we found suitable factors for splitting the middle term.
- Finally, grouping helped us to simplify the expression.
coefficients
Coefficients are the numerical or constant multipliers in terms of an algebraic expression. In a quadratic equation, coefficients play a vital role in determining the nature of the roots and the shape of the graph of the equation. For example, in the quadratic trinomial
- In \[ v^2 - 11vx + 24x^2 \], the coefficient of \(v^2\) is 1.
- The coefficient of \(vx\) is -11.
- The constant term (or the coefficient of \(x^2\)), is 24.