Solution
Factor [tex]3x^2-5x-2[/tex]
1. Multiply 3 by -2, which is -6.
2. Ask: Which two numbers add up to -5 and multiply to -6?
3. Answer: 1 and -6
4. Rewrite [tex]-5x[/tex] as the sum of x and [tex]-6x[/tex]:
[tex]3x^2 + x-6x-2
[/tex]
Factor out common terms in the first two terms, then in the last two terms.
[tex]x(3x+1)-2(3x+1)[/tex]
Factor out the common term [tex]3x+1[/tex]
[tex](3x+1)(x-2)[/tex]
