How do you factor 2x squared minus 15x minus eight?

Answer 1

(2x+1)(x-8)

0=2x+1 -> 2 x+1=0 -> x+1=0/2 => x+1=0 therefor x= -1

0=x-8 therefor x=8

if you have a graphing calculator you and place this in they y= part, and the constants are when it hits y=0

if not

1. any time there is a number in front of the x^2 part you will place it in front of the 1st x to give you this

(2x +- ___)(x +- ____)

2. Then you find the factors of the number without an an which is 8.

the factors are 1,2,4, and 8 because all of these numbers can divide into 8.

3. Use trial and error of each

-1 and 8

1 and -8

2 and -4

-2 and 4

until they produce the -15x part some how

4. Lastly set each section in the "()" =0 to find x as shown above