Question

How do you factor the expression `12x^2 - 3`?

Answer 1

`color(white)(xx)12x^2-3=3(2x-1)(2x+1)`

Explanation:

`color(white)(xx)12x^2-3=3(4x^2-1)`

DOTS RULE:
An expression in the form of a squared number less another squared number is called the difference of two squares.
`color(white)(xx)12x^2-3=3((color(red)(2x))^2-color(red)1^2)`
`color(white)(xxxxxxx)=3(2x-1)(2x+1)`