Question 154224
{{{b^3-3b^2-4b+12}}} Start with the given expression



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



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



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



{{{(b+2)(b-2)(b-3)}}} Factor {{{b^2-4}}} by use of the difference of squares formula



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