Chapter 6: Problem 37
Factor. See Example 3 or Example 6. $$ 5 m^{2}-7 m-6 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The factored form of \(5m^2 - 7m - 6\) is \((5m + 3)(m - 2)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the coefficients
The given quadratic expression is \( 5m^2 - 7m - 6 \). Here, the coefficients are: - \(a = 5\) for \(m^2\), - \(b = -7\) for \(m\), - \(c = -6\)
02
Find two numbers that multiply and add/subtract to get known values
We need two numbers that multiply to \(a \cdot c\) (which is \(5 \times -6 = -30\)) and add to \(b\) (which is \(-7\)). After testing several pairs, we find that \(-10\) and \(3\) multiply to \(-30\) and add to \(-7\).
03
Rewrite the expression by splitting the middle term
Using the numbers found in Step 2, rewrite the middle term \(-7m\) as \(-10m + 3m\): \[ 5m^2 - 10m + 3m - 6 \]
04
Group terms and factor by grouping
Group the terms into two pairs and factor each group: \[ (5m^2 - 10m) + (3m - 6) \]Factor out the greatest common factor from each group: \[ 5m(m - 2) + 3(m - 2) \]
05
Factor out the common binomial
The expression now can be factored by taking common the binomial \((m - 2)\), which results in: \[ (5m + 3)(m - 2) \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Quadratic Expressions
A quadratic expression is a type of polynomial that includes a variable raised to the power of two. It takes the form:
- \( ax^2 + bx + c \)
- \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants.
- \( x \) is the variable.
Coefficient Identification
Identifying coefficients in a quadratic expression is the first step in the factoring process. A coefficient is a numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic term.
In the quadratic expression \( ax^2 + bx + c \):
In the quadratic expression \( ax^2 + bx + c \):
- \( a \) is the coefficient of \( x^2 \)
- \( b \) is the coefficient of \( x \)
- \( c \) is the constant term
- \( a = 5 \)
- \( b = -7 \)
- \( c = -6 \)
Factoring by Grouping
Factoring by grouping is a useful technique when attempting to factor quadratic expressions that don't have a straightforward way of splitting.
Once you've rewritten the middle term, the aim is to group terms in pairs, which can be factored separately. Here's a brief breakdown of this process:
Once you've rewritten the middle term, the aim is to group terms in pairs, which can be factored separately. Here's a brief breakdown of this process:
- First, rewrite the expression by splitting the middle term.
- Then, group terms in pairs that have a common factor.
- Factor out the greatest common factor from each pair.
- \( 5m^2 - 10m \)
- \( 3m - 6 \)
- \( 5m(m - 2) \)
- \( 3(m - 2) \)
The Binomial Factorization Method
After factoring by grouping, the final task is the binomial factorization process. This involves extracting a common binomial factor from the expression.
In our case, the previously grouped pairs lead to:
In our case, the previously grouped pairs lead to:
- \( 5m(m - 2) + 3(m - 2) \)
- \((5m + 3)(m - 2)\)