SOLUTION: factor completely x^3-3x^2+4x-12

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: factor completely x^3-3x^2+4x-12      Log On


   

Question 277614: factor completely x^3-3x^2+4x-12
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

x%5E3-3x%5E2%2B4x-12 Start with the given expression


%28x%5E3-3x%5E2%29%2B%284x-12%29 Group like terms


x%5E2%28x-3%29%2B4%28x-3%29 Factor out the GCF x%5E2 out of the first group. Factor out the GCF 4 out of the second group


%28x%5E2%2B4%29%28x-3%29 Since we have the common term x-3, we can combine like terms


So x%5E3-3x%5E2%2B4x-12 factors to %28x%5E2%2B4%29%28x-3%29


In other words, x%5E3-3x%5E2%2B4x-12=%28x%5E2%2B4%29%28x-3%29