Question

How do you factor the trinomial `8m^2-10m-3`?

Answer 1

`(4m+1)(2m-3)`

Explanation:

`"factor the quadratic using the a-c method"`

`"the factors of the product "8xx-3=-24`

`"which sum to "-10" are "+2" and "-12`

`"split the middle term using these factors"`

`8m^2+2m-12m-3larrcolor(blue)"factor by grouping"`

`=color(red)(2m)(4m+1)color(red)(-3)(4m+1)`

`"take out the "color(blue)"common factor "(4m+1)`

`=(4m+1)(color(red)(2m-3))`

`8m^2-10m-3=(4m+1)(2m-3)`