Question

Can `y=2x^3 - 3x^2 - 12x - 7` be factored? If so what are the factors ?

Answer 1

`y = (x + 1)^2(2x - 7)`

Explanation:

Since -a + b - c + d = 0, then, one real root is (-1) and one factor is (x + 1).
After division, we get: `y = (x + 1)(2x^2 - 5x - 7)`
Factor the trinomial in parentheses.
`2x^2 - 5x - 7 =` (x + 1)(2x - 7)
Finally,
y = (x + 1)(x + 1) (2x - 7)