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LeeH LeeH is offline
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Join Date: May 2000
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 7,714
Quote:
Originally Posted by JD159 View Post
Studying for gmat. Most equations with a number larger than 1 at the start are out of my league but I'll give it a shot. I had to do some searching on factoring this way but I need the practice. I don't see many of that type if at all on the test...

First, refer to this article https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/factoring-quadratics.html

I'll edit my post to show my work but it is good to read before I finish.

2x² + 7x - 15 = 0

1) Multiply 2 and -15 = -30
2) Sum of 7
--- Find set of numbers that multiply to -30 and add to 7
3) 10 and -3
4) Plug in for 7x.
5) 2x² + 10x - 3x - 15
6) Factor: 2x (x + 5) - 3 (x + 5)
7) Common factor is x + 5
8) Group -> (2x-3)(x+5)
9) Roots are 3/2 and -5
10) R > S thus 3/2 = R and -5 = S
11) R - S = 3/2 - (-5) = 3/2 + 10/2 = 13/2

Do we have an answer key for the second question?? I'm getting b = -4
Thanks!

She says she understands the stuff in the link, but was stumped by why you were multiplying 2 and -15 in the first step.
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Lee
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