SOLUTION: Factor each polynomial by grouping the first 2 terms and the last 2 terms. x cubed - 4x squared + 2x - 8

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor each polynomial by grouping the first 2 terms and the last 2 terms. x cubed - 4x squared + 2x - 8      Log On


   

Question 114367: Factor each polynomial by grouping the first 2 terms and the last 2 terms.
x cubed - 4x squared + 2x - 8
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

x%5E3-4x%5E2%2B2x-8 Start with the given expression

%28x%5E3-4x%5E2%29%2B%282x-8%29 Group like terms


x%5E2%28x-4%29%2B2%28x-4%29 Factor out the GCF of x%5E2 out of the first group. Factor out the GCF of 2 out of the second group


%28x%5E2%2B2%29%28x-4%29 Since we have a common term of x-4, we can combine like terms

So x%5E3-4x%5E2%2B2x-8 factors to %28x%5E2%2B2%29%28x-4%29