SOLUTION: Explain the differences in factoring 3a^2 - 12a and factoring 4a^2 - 16.

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Question 22385: Explain the differences in factoring
3a^2 - 12a and factoring 4a^2 - 16.

Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3a%5E2+-12a is an example of factoring the common factor. You take out the common factor, which is 3a, and what is left over is (a- 4).
3a%5E2+-12a+=+3a%28a-4%29

When factoring 4a%5E2+-+16, you should begin as in the other factoring by taking out the common factor. In this case the common factor is 4.
4a%5E2+-+16
4%28a%5E2+-4%29

However, in this case, after taking out the common factor, now you have another factoring problem, this time a DIFFERENCE of TWO SQUARES.
4%28a-2%29%28a%2B2%29+

R^2 at SCC