How do you factor 10x^2-19xy+6y^2?

2 Answers
Jul 17, 2017

Because the sign are, +, -,+, we know that the signs in the binomials are both minus:

(ax-by)(cx-dy)

We can write the following equations:

ac = 10
bd = 6
ad+bc = 19

Three equations and four unknown values is bad.

Let's start by trying 5 for a and 2 for c:

(5x-by)(2x-dy)

5d+2b=19
bd = 6

Two equations and two unknown values is good but does it work?

Is it (2)(3) = 6 or (3)(2)=6?

5(3)+2(2)=19

It is b = 2 and d = 3:

(5x-2y)(2x-3y)

Jul 17, 2017

(5x - 2y)(2x - 3y)

Explanation:

Consider x as a variable and y as a constant. Factor this quadratic trinomial by the new AC Method (Socratic, Google Search)
f(x) = 10x^2 - 19xy + 6y^2 = 10 (x + p)(x + q)
Converted trinomial:
f'(x) = x^2 - 19yx + 60y^2 = (x + p')(x + q').
Proceeding. Find p' and q', then, divide them by a = 10.
Find 2 numbers knowing the sum (b = - 19y) and product (60y^2).
They are: (-4y) and (-15y). (sum: -19y and product: 60y^2)
Back to f(x)--> p = (p')/a = - (4y)/10 = -(2y)/5, and q = - (15y)/10 = - (3y)/2.
Factored form:
f(x) = 10(x - (2y)/5)(x - (3y)/2) = (5x - 2y)(2x - 3y)