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To fully factorise the expression \( 2x^2 - 4x - 1 \), we can start by looking for two numbers that multiply to \( ac \) (where \( a = 2 \) and \( c = -1 \), thus \( ac = -2 \)) and add to \( b \) (where \( b = -4 \)). These numbers are \( -5 \) and \( 1 \). Rewrite the middle term: \[ 2x^2 - 5x + x - 1 \] Now group the terms: \[ (2x^2 - 5x) + (x - 1) \] Factor by grouping: \[ x(2x - 5) + 1(2x - 5) \] \[ (2x - 5)(x + 1) \] Since we originally had a factor of 2 outside, we can express the complete factorised form: \[ 2(2x - 5)(x + 1) \] So, the fully factorised form is \( 2(2x - 5)(x + 1) \). Be sure to check the factorization by expanding it back, and you’ll see it returns to the original polynomial!