Example

Solving 2d25d=32d^2 - 5d = 3 by Factoring

Solve the quadratic equation 2d25d=32d^2 - 5d = 3 by applying the factoring method.

Step 1 — Write in standard form. Subtract 33 from both sides: 2d25d3=02d^2 - 5d - 3 = 0

Step 2 — Factor the quadratic expression. (2d+1)(d3)=0(2d + 1)(d - 3) = 0

Step 3 — Apply the Zero Product Property. Set each factor equal to zero: 2d+1=0ord3=02d + 1 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad d - 3 = 0

Step 4 — Solve each linear equation: d=12ord=3d = -\frac{1}{2} \quad \text{or} \quad d = 3

Step 5 — Check both solutions by substituting into the original equation 2d25d=32d^2 - 5d = 3: For d=12d = -\frac{1}{2}: 2(12)25(12)=2(14)+52=12+52=32\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 - 5\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right) = 2\left(\frac{1}{4}\right) + \frac{5}{2} = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{5}{2} = 3 ✓ For d=3d = 3: 2(3)25(3)=1815=32(3)^2 - 5(3) = 18 - 15 = 3 ✓ The solutions are d=12d = -\frac{1}{2} and d=3d = 3.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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