what is the best way to factor: 3p^2 +14p -5

hi anon,

 

 I did this post ages ago and it is definitely the method I would use when the coefficient of  x^2 is greater than 1.

 

 http://web2.0calc.com/questions/grouping-method-and-factorizing-quadratic-equations

 

There is a good video clip at the bottom explaining the technique too   :)

(3p - 1)(p + 5)

 

Notice that -1*5 = 5 and 3*5 - 1*1 = 14

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