hi, could someone please explain how to factor this?

Question

3x^2-2xy-y^2

Answer 1

Start with the parentheses.
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The only way we can obtain 3x^2 is with 3x and x so put those in first. The only way we can get the last term is y and y so put those in next. The only way we can get a - term for the y^2 to to have one sign with the parentheses + and the other -. Just place them so the middle term is -2xy.
(3x+y)(x-y). User the FOIL method to check it. 3x^2 -3xy + xy -y^2 =
3x^2-2xy-y^2
Check my work.

Answer 2

thanks so much! i finally understand it