SOLUTION: Factor the given polynomial b^3 – 3b^2 – 4b + 12

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Question 154224: Factor the given polynomial
b^3 – 3b^2 – 4b + 12
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
b%5E3-3b%5E2-4b%2B12 Start with the given expression


%28b%5E3-3b%5E2%29%2B%28-4b%2B12%29 Group like terms


b%5E2%28b-3%29-4%28b-3%29 Factor out the GCF b%5E2 out of the first group. Factor out the GCF -4 out of the second group


%28b%5E2-4%29%28b-3%29 Since we have the common term b-3, we can combine like terms


%28b%2B2%29%28b-2%29%28b-3%29 Factor b%5E2-4 by use of the difference of squares formula


So b%5E3-3b%5E2-4b%2B12 factors to %28b%2B2%29%28b-2%29%28b-3%29