Question 314412: Factor: a^3-2a^2-a+2=0
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! First, this is going to be solved like a Quadratic Equation, but first you will have to FACTOR this by GROUPING.
a^3-2a^2-a+2=0
From the first two terms, take out a common factor of a^2, and from the last two terms take out a factor of -1.
a^2(a-2)-1(a-2)=0
Now take out the common factor of (a-2):
(a-2)(a^2-1)=0
(a-2)(a-1)(a+1)=0
There are 3 solutions:
a=2, a=1, and a=-1
Dr. Rapalje
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