document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=715389>Question 715389</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> I know when factoring the formula is ax^2(+-)bx(+-)c is the formula I should use.  But, what do I do when I'm given an equation such as this?  6x^3-4x^2-2x or x^4-10x^2+9.  I have been working on this equation for the past hour-------4X^4-38x^3+48x^2.  None of these equations follow the formula, and yet they should.  Can anyone explain it to me? </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #439408 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=josgarithmetic><B>josgarithmetic(39617)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=josgarithmetic><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/nopicture.jpg><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=439408\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> You hope to factor: 6x^3-4x^2-2x<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Look for common factors among the terms.  See, 2x.  What you have after reverse of distributive property may still be factorable, too. \r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "You also hope to factor: x^4-10x^2+9<BR>\n" );
document.write( "That is certainly factorable according to what you were trying to do with quadratic trinomials.  Do what you already know.  You see, some number like, t=x^2 ?  You see 9=9*1, 10=-9+(-1) ? </SPAN>\n" );
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