Factoring the Quadratic Equation: 6x² + 5x + 6
To factor the quadratic equation 6x² + 5x + 6, we need to find two binomials that multiply to give us this expression. The general form for factoring a quadratic equation is:
ax² + bx + c = (px + q)(rx + s)
Where:
- a = 6, b = 5, c = 6
Step 1: Identify the Coefficients
Here, we have:
- a = 6
- b = 5
- c = 6
Step 2: Multiply a and c
Multiply the coefficient of x² (which is 6) with the constant term (which is 6):
6 × 6 = 36
Step 3: Find Two Numbers that Multiply to ac and Add to b
Next, we need to find two numbers that:
- Multiply to give 36
- Add up to 5
The numbers 9 and -4 satisfy these conditions:
- 9 × (-4) = -36
- 9 + (-4) = 5
Step 4: Rewrite the Middle Term
Now, we can rewrite the original quadratic by substituting the middle term with the two numbers found:
6x² + 9x – 4x + 6
Step 5: Factor by Grouping
Next, we can group the terms:
(6x² + 9x) + (-4x + 6)
Factor out the common factors from each group:
3x(2x + 3) – 2(2x + 3)
Step 6: Factor Out the Common Binomial
Now, we can factor out the common binomial factor, which is (2x + 3):
(2x + 3)(3x – 2)
Final Factorization
Thus, the factored form of the quadratic equation 6x² + 5x + 6 is:
(2x + 3)(3x – 2)
This means that we can express the equation as:
6x² + 5x + 6 = (2x + 3)(3x – 2)