Factor 3x² + 7x – 20. Enter the factor with the greater x-coefficient first. (______ x + ______)(______ x + ______)

To factor the quadratic expression (3x^2 + 7x – 20), we will look for two numbers that multiply to (3 times -20 = -60) and add to (7).

1. The pairs of factors of (-60) that add to (7) are (12) and (-5).
2. Rewrite the middle term using these numbers:

(3x^2 + 12x – 5x – 20).
3. Group the terms:

((3x^2 + 12x) + (-5x – 20)).
4. Factor by grouping:

(3x(x + 4) – 5(x + 4)).
5. Now factor out the common term ((x + 4)):

((3x – 5)(x + 4)).

Thus, the factored form is:

((3x – 5)(x + 4)).

So, you can write it as:

(3x – 5)(x + 4).