SOLUTION: Factor: How do I do this ? Factor 2x^3y^2-32xy^2 Thanks for your help and time, it's greatly appreciated !

Algebra ->  Exponents-negative-and-fractional -> SOLUTION: Factor: How do I do this ? Factor 2x^3y^2-32xy^2 Thanks for your help and time, it's greatly appreciated !      Log On


   

Question 27739: Factor:
How do I do this ?
Factor 2x^3y^2-32xy^2
Thanks for your help and time, it's greatly appreciated !
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factor:
2x%5E3y%5E2-32xy%5E2
First, look for common factors in the two terms and factor them out.
2 is a common factor.
x is a common factor,
y^2 is a common factor.
2xy%5E2%28x%5E2-16%29 The parentheses now contain a binomial which, as you can see, is the difference of two squares (x-squared and 4-squared) and this binomial can be factored:
x%5E2-16+=+%28x-4%29%28x%2B4%29 The final result is:
2x%5E3y%5E2-32xy%5E2+=+2xy%5E2%28x-4%29%28x%2B4%29