1. Write the original polynomial in standard form: ax^2 + bx - c
2. To factor into binomials, the product of the constants in the binomials must equal \( -c \) (a positive times a negative gives a negative product): (x - p)(ax + q)
3. Ensure the sum of the resulting middle terms from binomials is \( bx \).
Example:
Consider the polynomial: 2x^2 + 3x - 2
1. Write in standard form: 2x^2 + 3x - 2
2. Look for factors of \(-2\) that combine to give \(3\):
(2x - 1)(x + 2)
Expanding the binomials to verify:
(2x - 1)(x + 2) = 2x^2 + 4x - x - 2 = 2x^2 + 3x - 2
So it matches the original polynomial. The signs are one positive and one negative.