Factor completely.

2, x, squared, minus, 11, x, plus, 9
2x
2
−11x+9

1 answer

To factor the quadratic expression \(2x^2 - 11x + 9\), we can use the method of factoring by grouping or the quadratic formula. First, let's look for two numbers that multiply to \(2 \cdot 9 = 18\) and add up to \(-11\).

The numbers that satisfy these conditions are \(-9\) and \(-2\), since:

\[ -9 \times -2 = 18 \quad \text{and} \quad -9 + (-2) = -11. \]

Now we can rewrite the middle term \(-11x\) using these two numbers:

\[ 2x^2 - 9x - 2x + 9. \]

Next, we can group the terms:

\[ (2x^2 - 9x) + (-2x + 9). \]

Now, factor out the common factors from each group:

\[ x(2x - 9) - 1(2x - 9). \]

Notice that \((2x - 9)\) is a common factor:

\[ (2x - 9)(x - 1). \]

So the completely factored form of the expression \(2x^2 - 11x + 9\) is:

\[ \boxed{(2x - 9)(x - 1)}. \]