Question

How do you factor `6m^3+15m² - 2m - 5`?

Answer 1

`(2m+5)(3m^2-1)`

Explanation:

Group the terms into 'pairs' as shown.

`[6m^3+15m^2]+[-2m-5]`

now factorise each 'pair'

`rArrcolor(red)(3m^2)(2m+5)color(red)(-1)(2m+5)`

there is now a common factor of (2m + 5) which can be taken out.

`(2m+5)color(red)((3m^2-1))`

`rArr6m^3+15m^2-2m-5=(2m+5)(3m^2-1)`