SOLUTION: This does not make sense to me...please help. Factor by grouping. x3 – 3x2 + 4x – 12

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: This does not make sense to me...please help. Factor by grouping. x3 – 3x2 + 4x – 12      Log On


   

Question 45264: This does not make sense to me...please help.
Factor by grouping. x3 – 3x2 + 4x – 12
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E3+%96+3x%5E2+%2B+4x+%96+12

Group the first two together and take out a common factor of x%5E2. Then from the last two, take out a common factor of 4:
x%5E2%28x-3%29+%2B4%28x-3%29+

Notice that there is now a common factor of (x-3). Take out this common factor, and you have:
%28x-3%29%28x%5E2+%2B4%29+

The sum of squares does not factor at this level, so this is the final answer.

R^2 at SCC