Solve the quadratic equation using factorisation method: 2m^2-5m-3=0

1 answer

To solve the quadratic equation 2m^2 - 5m - 3 = 0 using the factorisation method, we need to find two numbers that can multiply to give -6 (the product of the coefficient of the quadratic term and the constant term) and add up to give -5 (the coefficient of the linear term).

The factors of -6 that satisfy this condition are -6 and 1.

Therefore, we can rewrite the quadratic equation as (2m + 1)(m - 3) = 0.

Setting each of the factors equal to zero, we get:
2m + 1 = 0 or m - 3 = 0

Solving these equations, we find:
2m = -1 or m = 3

Dividing both sides of the first equation by 2, we get:
m = -1/2

So the solutions to the quadratic equation 2m^2 - 5m - 3 = 0 are m = -1/2 and m = 3.