SOLUTION: Factor each polynomial completely. If a polynomial is prime, say so 3x^2 - 18x – 48 I have no idea where to begin

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor each polynomial completely. If a polynomial is prime, say so 3x^2 - 18x – 48 I have no idea where to begin      Log On


   

Question 249139: Factor each polynomial completely. If a polynomial is prime, say so
3x^2 - 18x – 48

I have no idea where to begin
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3x^2 - 18x – 48
3*-48=-144
-24 & 6 are factors of -144 whose sum is -18.
3x^2+6x-24x-48
=3x(x+2)-24(x+2) Factoring by grouping.
=(3x-24)(x+2)
=3(x-8)(x+2)
.
Ed