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15x2 - 17x + 4 = 15x2 - 5x - 12x + 4

= 5x(3x - 1) - 4(3x - 1).

= (5x - 4)(3x - 1).

Thus the solution,

when 15x2 - 17x + 4 = (5x - 4)(3x - 1) = 0,

is: x = 4/5 or 1/3.

* * * * *

The technique, in case it is not familiar, is quite simple:

Step 1: Note that the three co-efficients of the given quadratic are 15, -17, and 4.

Step 2: We seek two numbers whose sum and product are -17 and 60.

(Note that 60 is, itself the product of 15 and 4.)

The two numbers we seek are -5 and -12.

Step 3: Replace the middle term, '-17x' with two terms, '-5x' and '-12x'.

Step 4: Continue factorisation easily, as shown. Then, combine like terms.

Step 5: To find solution, apply the following principle: The product of two factors is equal to zero if, and only if, one or other of the two factors is equal to zero.

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15y ago

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