Question

How do you factor `-3ax^2p + 24pa + 6axp`?

Answer 1

`-3ap(x-4)(x+2)`

Explanation:

Always look for a common factor first, then look again.

`-3ax^2p + 24pa + 6axp`

It is better to have the negative sign at the front rather than a `-x^2` term inside the bracket.

=`-3ap(x^2 -8-2x)" "larr` re-arrange the terms

=`-3ap(x^2 -2x -8)" "larr` find factors of 8 which differ by 2

=`-3ap(x-4)(x+2)`