SOLUTION: 6b4plus12b3minus18b2

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Mixtures -> SOLUTION: 6b4plus12b3minus18b2      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 972552: 6b4plus12b3minus18b2
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, Boreal:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
6b4plus12b3minus18b2
-----
Factor::
6b^4 + 12b^3 - 18b^2
----
Common Factor:: 6b^2
----
= 6b^2(b^2 + 2b - 3)
---
= 6b^2(b+3)(b-1)
================
Cheers,
Stan H.
---------------

Answer by Boreal(15235) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
6b^4 + 12 b^3 -18b^2
factor out a 6 b^2, common to all three.
6b^2(b^2+2b -3)
That factors into (b+3)(b-1)
6b^2 (b+3)(b-1)
In these sorts of problems, start with something simple, like seeing what they have in common. They can't be added, because the variable is different. So you factor out whatever you can, not knowing what you will find. I factor out a 6b^2, and I see something that I can factor further. I didn't know that was going to happen, but it did. Take a complex math problem and reduce it to simpler ones.