Question

How do you factor `x^3 -2x`?

Answer 1

`x(x+sqrt2)(x-sqrt2)`

Explanation:

First, check if there is a common factor that you can take out. In this expression, the common factor is `x`.

`x^3-2x`

`=x(x^2-2)`

You should be able to recognize that `x^2-2` is a special product (difference of two squares). So you can factor it further:

`x(x^2-2)`

`color(red)(=x(x+sqrt2)(x-sqrt2))`