Factorize each of the following algebraic expressions:
In order to factorize the given expression, we find to find two numbers p and q such that:
p + q = 2, pq = -3
Clearly,
p = 3, q = -1
Therefore, split (2a) as (3a – a)
Therefore,
a2 + 2a – 3 = a2 + 3a – a – 3
= a (a + 3) – 1 (a + 3)
= (a – 1) (a + 3)