You are here:

Algebra/Algebraic Expression

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/26/2010


Question
How do I factorize 2y²-7y+6? Thank you.

Answer
Note that 2 = 1*2 and note that 6 = 1*6 or 6 = 2*3.

If 1,6 is tried, the middle would be -1*1 - 2*6 = -12 or -1*6 - 3*2 = -12.
If we use 2,3 we get -1*2 - 2*3 = 2-6 = -8 or -1*3 - 2*2 = -7, which is it.

This means it is (2y-3)(y-2).
Note that 2y*y = 2y², -3(-2) = 6, and 2y(-2) - 3(y) = -4y - 3y = -7y.

Looking back at the original, this is what you get.

Algebra

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Scott A Wilson

Expertise

Any algebraic question you've got, like linear, quadratic, exponential, etc.

Experience

solving story problems solving linear, parabolic, and 3rd order equations solving equations with multiple variables

Publications
documents at Boeing

Education/Credentials
MS at math OSU in mathematics at OSU BS at OSU in mathematical sciences (math, statistics, computer science)

Awards and Honors
both BS and MS degrees were given with honors

Past/Present Clients
students from all over since the 80's; over 1,000 in algebra

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.