SOLUTION: I need help factoring the following problem. 3x^3 + 3x^2 - 12x - 12 Thank you!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I need help factoring the following problem. 3x^3 + 3x^2 - 12x - 12 Thank you!      Log On


   



Question 187470: I need help factoring the following problem.
3x^3 + 3x^2 - 12x - 12
Thank you!

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Try factoring by grouping.
3x%5E3%2B3x%5E2-12x-12 Group the terms as shown below:
%283x%5E3%2B3x%5E2%29-%2812x%2B12%29 Notice the change of sign on the last term! Now factor 3x%5E2 from the first group and factor 12 from the second group to get:
3x%5E2%28x%2B1%29-12%28x%2B1%29 Notice the common factor of %28x%2B1%29 in each term, so factor this.
%28x%2B1%29%283x%5E2-12%29 The second group here will factor, so...
highlight%28%28x%2B1%29%283x%2B6%29%28x-2%29%29...and we're done!