How to factor 2x2+x1 ?

i tried to factor it and i got (2x+1)(x1)
but my friend said the correct answer is (2x1)(x+1)

1 Answer
May 10, 2018

2x2+x1=(x+1)(2x1)

Explanation:

Factor:

2x2+x1

The method to use is called "splitting the middle term."

Multiply the coefficient of the first term by the constant.

2×(1)=2

Find two number that when added equal 1 and when multiplied equal 2. The numbers that meet the criteria are 2 and 1.

Rewrite the expression, splitting the middle term x into 2x and x.

2x2+2xx1

Factor out the common terms in the first two terms and the second two terms.

2x(x+1)(x+1) (x+1)=1(x+1)

Factor out (x+1).

(x+1)(2x1)