How do you write #(x^3 - x^2 - 6x)# in factored form?
1 Answer
Explanation:
1) Simplify the polynomial.
( What does each term have in common? )
In this case, they each have
2) Place the extraneous parts on the outside.
(Put what you just simplified outside the parentheses)
In this example, that means
3) Factor the trinomial.
(Just like you usually would)
I was taught to think of a number that multiplies to make the last number (
Notes:
- You should always simplify before you begin factoring because it makes it easier and faster.
- You can always check you answer by multiplying the equation back out again. If you did it right, you should get what you started with