Identify a,b,c: Identify a,b, and c in the quadratic expression 2x2−3x+1. Compare 2x2−3x+1 with ax2+bx+c. a=2b=−3c=1
Find product and sum: Find two numbers whose product is a∗c (2∗1=2) and whose sum is b (−3).We need to find two numbers that multiply to 2 and add up to −3.The numbers −1 and −2 satisfy these conditions because:−1∗−2=2−1+−2=−3
Rewrite middle term: Rewrite the middle term −3x using the two numbers found in Step 2.2x2−3x+1 can be rewritten as:2x2−x−2x+1
Factor by grouping: Factor by grouping.Group the terms into two pairs:(2x2−x)+(−2x+1)Factor out the greatest common factor from each pair:x(2x−1)−1(2x−1)
Factor out common binomial: Factor out the common binomial factor.The common binomial factor is (2x−1), so we factor it out:(2x−1)(x−1)