SOLUTION: I've been stuck on this problem for a long time.... How can u factor: 7x2y2+147xy2-504y2= (the 2 means to the 2nd power) Thanks!!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I've been stuck on this problem for a long time.... How can u factor: 7x2y2+147xy2-504y2= (the 2 means to the 2nd power) Thanks!!      Log On


   



Question 8886: I've been stuck on this problem for a long time....
How can u factor:
7x2y2+147xy2-504y2=
(the 2 means to the 2nd power)
Thanks!!

Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Your first step in ANY factoring problem is to take out the common factors! In this expression, each term is divisible by 7 and y^2, so take out a common factor of 7y%5E2

7x%5E2y%5E2+%2B+147xy%5E2+-+504y%5E2
7y%5E2%28x%5E2+%2B+21x+-+72%29+
7y%5E2%28x+_______%29%28x_______%29+

The trinomial factors if you can find two numbers whose product is -72 and whose difference is 21. Try 24 and -3

7y%5E2%28x%5E2+%2B+21x+-+72%29+
+7y%5E2%28x%2B24%29%28x-3%29+

R^2 at SCC