How do you factor #5x^2 - 26x +5 #?

1 Answer
Feb 20, 2017

#5x^2-26x+5 = (5x-1)(x-5)#

Explanation:

Given:

#5x^2-26x+5#

Use an AC method:

Find a pair of factors of #AC=25# with sum #B=26#

The pair #25, 1# works.

Use this pair to split the middle term and factor by grouping:

#5x^2-26x+5 = 5x^2-25x-x+5#

#color(white)(5x^2-26x+5) = (5x^2-25x)-(x-5)#

#color(white)(5x^2-26x+5) = 5x(x-5)-1(x-5)#

#color(white)(5x^2-26x+5) = (5x-1)(x-5)#