Solution
Factor \(3x^2-5x-2\)
1. Multiply 3 by -2, which is -6.
2. Ask: Which two numbers add up to -5 and multiply to -6?
3. Answer: 1 and -6
4. Rewrite \(-5x\) as the sum of x and \(-6x\):
\(3x^2 + x-6x-2\)
Factor out common terms in the first two terms, then in the last two terms.
\(x(3x+1)-2(3x+1)\)
Factor out the common term \(3x+1\)
\((3x+1)(x-2)\)
