Question 553561: I need to factor this polynomial: (2p-1)(p+3)+(7p+4)(p+3)
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Do you see the COMMON FACTOR of (p+3)? If so, then take out the common factor, and you have
(2p-1)(p+3) + (7p+4)(p+3)
(p+3) [(2p-1) + (7p+4) ]
Next, combine like terms inside the bracket:
(p+3)[ 9p+3 ]
Now, there is a common factor of 3 to take out:
(p+3)*3(3p+1)
3(p+3)(3p+1)
I wrote a whole NON-TRADITIONAL explanation of FACTORING in Basic Algebra!! The easiest way to find my explanation is to go to my FREE website using the easy-to-remember and easy-to-spell link www.mathinlivingcolor.com. At the bottom of this page is a link that will take you to my Homepage. Look near the top of this page for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time", click on "Basic Algebra." Look in Chapter 2 for several sections on Factoring, in particular the one on Factoring the Common Factor. The lesson is complete with explanations, examples, and exercises with all the answers. There is also a FREE video of me teaching this topic in my younger years before I retired from teaching. The video can be found from my Homepage by looking for the link "Rapalje Videos in Living Color". Choose Basic Algebra, and look for the Factoring video. I think you will find that my explanations are a LOT easier to understand than the traditional textbooks you are probably using.
Happy New Year!! My Email address is rapaljer@seminolestate.edu if you need to contact me!!
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus
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