Questions: Factor the polynomial completely. If the polynomial is not factorable, write "prime" as the answer.
2x^2+9x+4
Transcript text: Factor the polynomial completely. If the polynomial is not factorable, write "prime" as the answer.
\[
2 x^{2}+9 x+4
\]
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the polynomial
The given polynomial is:
\[
2x^{2} + 9x + 4
\]
Step 2: Find two numbers that multiply to \(2 \times 4 = 8\) and add to \(9\)
We need to find two numbers that multiply to \(8\) and add to \(9\). The numbers \(8\) and \(1\) satisfy this condition because:
\[
8 \times 1 = 8 \quad \text{and} \quad 8 + 1 = 9
\]
Step 3: Rewrite the middle term using the two numbers
Rewrite the polynomial by splitting the middle term:
\[
2x^{2} + 8x + x + 4
\]
Step 4: Factor by grouping
Group the terms and factor out the common factors:
\[
(2x^{2} + 8x) + (x + 4) = 2x(x + 4) + 1(x + 4)
\]
Step 5: Factor out the common binomial
Factor out the common binomial \((x + 4)\):
\[
(2x + 1)(x + 4)
\]
Final Answer
The polynomial is factored completely as:
\[
\boxed{(2x + 1)(x + 4)}
\]