How do you factor 2x^2+3xy-5y^2?

I know the basic principles of factorization, but again, this one stumps me.

Comments

  • 2x^2+3xy-5y^2=

    =2x^2-2xy+5xy-5y^2=

    =2x(x-y)+5y(x-y)=

    =(x-y)(2x+5y)

  • You will need to break the expression up into smaller pieces. To do this multiply the value of 2x^2 (2) against the value of -5y^2 (-5)

    2 * -5 = -10

    Factors of -10 = +-(1, 2, 5, 10)

    From the list of factors find two numbers that when added together give 3 and when multiplied together give -10. 5 and -2 added together give 3 and multiplied together give -10 so rewrite these values back into the expression:

    2x^2 + 5xy - 2xy - 5y^2

    Now take out the HIGHEST common factor between the two sets of terms:

    x(2x + 5y) - y(2x + 5y)

    Refactor it:

    (x - y) (2x + 5y)

    That is now fully factorised.

  • 2x^2+5xy-2xy-5y^2

    x(2x+5y)- y(2x+5y)

    (2x+5y) (x-y)

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