2x² - 8 - (x + 2)(-2x + 6) 2(x² - 4) - (x + 2)(-2x + 6) Factorise x² - 4 as (x - 2)(x + 2) Factorise -2x + 6 as -2(x - 3) 2(x - 2)(x + 2) - (x + 2)[-2(x - 3)] 2(x - 2)(x + 2) + 2(x + 2)(x - 3) 2(x + 2) is a common factor of bath as you see by the red coloring: 2(x - 2)(x + 2) + 2(x + 2)(x - 3) 2(x + 2)[(x - 2) + (x - 3)] 2(x + 2)[x - 2 + x - 3] 2(x + 2)(2x - 5) Without the red coloring: 2(x + 2)(2x - 5) Edwin