How to factorise 6x^2-11x-10?

Firstly, when we need to factorise an expression like ax2 + bx + c, we should find two numbers m and n such that mn = ac and m+n = b. In this question, a = 6, b = -11, c = -10. So mn = -60 and m+n = -11. Let us use mn = -60 to find the values for m and n. Let write down the possible pairs: 1 and 60, 2 and 30, 3 and 20, 4 and 15, 5 and 12, 6 and 10. In each pair, one of them must be negative. To get m+n = -11, 4 and -15 is the only pair. So we have 6x2 -11x -10 = 6x2 +4x -15x -10 = 2x(3x + 2) - 5(3x + 2) = (2x - 5)(3x + 2).

YS
Answered by Yunxi S. Maths tutor

17888 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show that the integral of tan(x) is ln|sec(x)| + C where C is a constant.


Show that the equation 2sin^2(x) + 3sin(x) = 2cos(2x) + 3 can be written as 6sin^2(x)+3sin(x) - 5 = 0. Hence solve for 0 < x < 360 degrees. Giving your answers to 1.d.p.


Prove that cos(4x) = 8(cos^4(x))-8(cos^2(x)) + 1


How do I prove that an irrational number is indeed irrational?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning