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Multiple Choice
Factor the polynomial. 3x2−2x−5
A
(x+3)(x−5)
B
(x+1)(x−5)
C
(3x+1)(x−5)
D
(x+1)(3x−5)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the polynomial to be factored: \(3x^2 - 2x - 5\).
Look for two numbers that multiply to the product of the leading coefficient (3) and the constant term (-5), which is -15, and add up to the middle coefficient (-2).
The numbers that satisfy these conditions are 3 and -5, since 3 * -5 = -15 and 3 + (-5) = -2.
Rewrite the middle term using the numbers found: \(3x^2 + 3x - 5x - 5\).
Factor by grouping: Group the terms as \((3x^2 + 3x) + (-5x - 5)\), factor out the common factors to get \(3x(x + 1) - 5(x + 1)\), and then factor out the common binomial \((x + 1)\) to get \((x + 1)(3x - 5)\).