Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Factoring Polynomials
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Factor the polynomial.
3x2−2x−5
A
(x+3)(x−5)
B
(x+1)(x−5)
C
(3x+1)(x−5)
D
(x+1)(3x−5)

1
Identify the polynomial to be factored: \(3x^2 - 2x - 5\).
Look for two numbers that multiply to the product of the leading coefficient (3) and the constant term (-5), which is -15, and add up to the middle coefficient (-2).
The numbers that satisfy these conditions are 3 and -5, since 3 * -5 = -15 and 3 + (-5) = -2.
Rewrite the middle term using the numbers found: \(3x^2 + 3x - 5x - 5\).
Factor by grouping: Group the terms as \((3x^2 + 3x) + (-5x - 5)\), factor out the common factors to get \(3x(x + 1) - 5(x + 1)\), and then factor out the common binomial \((x + 1)\) to get \((x + 1)(3x - 5)\).
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