SOLUTION: Factor completely. If it is prime, say so. 20a^3-25a^2b+8ab^2-10b^3

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Question 109729: Factor completely. If it is prime, say so.
20a^3-25a^2b+8ab^2-10b^3

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
20a%5E3-25a%5E2b%2B8ab%5E2-10b%5E3 Start with the given expression

%2820a%5E3-25a%5E2b%29%2B%288ab%5E2-10b%5E3%29 Group like terms


5a%5E2%284%2Aa-5%2Ab%29%2B2b%5E2%284%2Aa-5%2Ab%29 Factor out the GCF of 5a%5E2 out of the first group. Factor out the GCF of 2b%5E2 out of the second group


%285a%5E2%2B2b%5E2%29%284%2Aa-5%2Ab%29 Combine like terms

So 20a%5E3-25a%5E2b%2B8ab%5E2-10b%5E3 factors to %285a%5E2%2B2b%5E2%29%284%2Aa-5%2Ab%29