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Factoring 5x² + x − 8 Using the Quadratic Formula | Sample from The Ultimate Crash Course Series





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Sample from The Ultimate Crash Course Series
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Factor 5x² + x − 8

General Quadratic Form

5x^2+x-8=ax^2+bx+c

Quadratic Formula

x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}


Check if Factorable

b^2-4ac=1^2-4(5)(-8)=1+160=161>0

Since the discriminant is positive but not a perfect square, the polynomial has two irrational roots. Therefore, it is not factorable using integer coefficients.

Find the Roots

x=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{161}}{2(5)}

x=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{161}}{10}

Write in Factored Form

x=-\frac{1+\sqrt{161}}{10},\quad x=-\frac{1-\sqrt{161}}{10}

\left(x+\frac{1+\sqrt{161}}{10}\right)\left(x+\frac{1-\sqrt{161}}{10}\right)=0

Final Factored Form

\boxed{\left(x+\frac{1+\sqrt{161}}{10}\right)\left(x+\frac{1-\sqrt{161}}{10}\right)}


Algebra Insight

Not all quadratics factor nicely using integers. When the discriminant is not a perfect square, the quadratic formula provides the exact factorization using irrational roots.

Sample from The Ultimate Crash Course Series
This lesson is part of the Ultimate Crash Course bundle. Get the full collection at Payhip and access over 1,000 lessons and podcasts through theSTEMmajor.com.

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