Question 139597
{{{x^3+3x^2-4x-12}}} Start with the given expression


{{{(x^3+3x^2)+(-4x-12)}}} Group like terms



{{{x^2(x+3)-4(x+3)}}} Factor out the GCF {{{x^2}}} out of the first group. Factor out the GCF {{{-4}}} out of the second group



{{{(x^2-4)(x+3)}}} Since we have the common term {{{x+3}}}, we can combine like terms



{{{(x+2)(x-2)(x+3)}}} Factor {{{x^2-4}}} by using the difference of squares to get {{{(x+2)(x-2)}}}


So {{{x^3+3x^2-4x-12}}} factors to {{{(x+2)(x-2)(x+3)}}}