SOLUTION: how do i factor n^3+5n^2-4n-20 as a polynomial

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: how do i factor n^3+5n^2-4n-20 as a polynomial      Log On


   

Question 266087: how do i factor n^3+5n^2-4n-20 as a polynomial
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

n%5E3%2B5n%5E2-4n-20 Start with the given expression


%28n%5E3%2B5n%5E2%29%2B%28-4n-20%29 Group like terms


n%5E2%28n%2B5%29-4%28n%2B5%29 Factor out the GCF n%5E2 out of the first group. Factor out the GCF -4 out of the second group


%28n%5E2-4%29%28n%2B5%29 Since we have the common term n%2B5, we can combine like terms


%28n%2B2%29%28n-2%29%28n%2B5%29 Now factor n%5E2-4 to get %28n%2B2%29%28n-2%29 (use the difference of squares formula).


So n%5E3%2B5n%5E2-4n-20 factors to %28n%2B2%29%28n-2%29%28n%2B5%29


In other words, n%5E3%2B5n%5E2-4n-20=%28n%2B2%29%28n-2%29%28n%2B5%29