Write the expression in factored form using either the box method or the ac method.
3x² + 8x - 3
To factor the expression 3x² + 8x - 3, we can use the box method.
First, we find two numbers whose product is 3 * -3 = -9 and whose sum is 8. These numbers are 9 and -1.
Then, we create a box with four sections:
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| 3x | -1x |
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Next, we factor out the greatest common factor from each section. The greatest common factor of 3x and -1x is x:
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| x | -1 |
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We then find the factors of the numbers in the top left and bottom right sections:
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| x-3 | -1 |
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Finally, we have factored the expression 3x² + 8x - 3 as (x-3)(3x+1).