SOLUTION: How would I factor "6n^3-96^2+360"? I think I know what the first step is supposed to be, which is to find the greatest common factor: 6, which, in turn, leads to: "6n(n^2-16n+60)

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: How would I factor "6n^3-96^2+360"? I think I know what the first step is supposed to be, which is to find the greatest common factor: 6, which, in turn, leads to: "6n(n^2-16n+60)      Log On


   

Question 894975: How would I factor "6n^3-96^2+360"?
I think I know what the first step is supposed to be, which is to find the greatest common factor: 6, which, in turn, leads to: "6n(n^2-16n+60)" but afterwards I am totally lost on the whole concept of factoring.
Could you help me with that?
Found 2 solutions by lwsshak3, richwmiller:
Answer by lwsshak3(11628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
How would I factor "6n^3-96n^2+360"?
6n(n^2-16n+60)
note that the second term is a perfect square
6n(n-8)^2=6n(n-8)(n-8)

Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
What is going on today? Full moon?
Experienced tutors are making many simple mistakes today.
6n^3-96^2+360 can NOT be factored into 6n(n^2-16n+60)
360 has no n!!!!
6n(n^2-16n+60)
And besides the second term is NOT a perfect square since 8*8=64 not 60

6(n^3-16n^2+60) is ok
That is as far as we can go.