Math Problem Statement

Factor the quadratic expression: 2x^2 - 9x - 18.

Solution

We are asked to factor the quadratic expression:

2x29x182x^2 - 9x - 18

The given hint suggests that we need to express this in the form:

(2x+?)(x?)(2x + \text{?})(x - \text{?})

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Identify the form: The quadratic is in the form ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + c, where a=2a = 2, b=9b = -9, and c=18c = -18.

  2. Multiply aa and cc: Multiply the coefficient of x2x^2 (which is 2) by the constant term (which is -18): 2×18=362 \times -18 = -36

  3. Find factors of -36: We need to find two numbers that multiply to give -36 and add up to -9 (the middle term's coefficient). These numbers are: 12 and 3(since 12×3=36 and 12+3=9)-12 \text{ and } 3 \quad (\text{since } -12 \times 3 = -36 \text{ and } -12 + 3 = -9)

  4. Rewrite the middle term: Rewrite the middle term 9x-9x as 12x+3x-12x + 3x: 2x212x+3x182x^2 - 12x + 3x - 18

  5. Factor by grouping: Group the terms: (2x212x)+(3x18)(2x^2 - 12x) + (3x - 18) Factor out the common factors from each group: 2x(x6)+3(x6)2x(x - 6) + 3(x - 6)

  6. Factor out the common binomial: Both terms contain (x6)(x - 6), so factor that out: (2x+3)(x6)(2x + 3)(x - 6)

Thus, the fully factored form is:

(2x+3)(x6)(2x + 3)(x - 6)

Final Answer:

  • The value for the green box (first missing term) is 3.
  • The value for the grey box (second missing term) is 6.

Would you like more details on any of the steps?

Here are some related questions you can explore:

  1. How do you factor quadratic expressions using the AC method?
  2. Can all quadratic expressions be factored?
  3. What is the difference between factoring and solving a quadratic equation?
  4. How do you verify that a factorization is correct?
  5. How would you factor quadratics with coefficients greater than 2?

Tip: Always check your factorization by expanding the factors back to ensure they result in the original quadratic expression.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Factoring Quadratics
AC Method

Formulas

Quadratic expression ax^2 + bx + c
Factoring using AC method

Theorems

Factorization Theorem
Distributive Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10