Factorise (5x^2 + 7x + 2)

This expression is in the form of ax^2 + bx + c, so you need to find two numbers which multiply to get ac and add to make b.
Step 1: Here a is not = 1, so you need to take out the highest common factor. In this case, the HCF is 1, so we keep the expression as it is.
Step 2: Identify the product (ac) and the sum (b). When ax^2 + bx + c is (5x^2 + 7x + 2) then ac is 5 x 2 = 10 and b is 7
Step 3: Find the numbers which multiply to make 10 (ac) and add to make 7 (b), in this case:5 x 2 = 10 and 5 + 2 = 7
Step 4: Re-write the expression, replacing bx with the numbers from Step 35x^2 + 5x + 2x + 2
Step 5:Divide this expression into two groups: (5x^2 + 5x) and (2x + 2)and factor out the highest common factor of both:5x(x + 1) and 2(x + 1)
Step 6:Now, take out the common factor, in this case (x+1). The other bracket will be the leftover values, in this case (5x + 2).
So your answer is: (5x + 2)(x+1).Use F.O.I.L to check your answer.