How do you factor 6x^3+21x^2+15x ?

1 Answer
Jun 26, 2015

6x^3+21x^2+15x = 3x(2x^2+7x+5)

=3x(2x+5)(x+1)

Explanation:

Given 6x^3+21x^2+15x

First notice that all of the terms are divisible by 3x, so separate out that as a factor first:

6x^3+21x^2+15x = 3x(2x^2+7x+5)

Let f(x) = 2x^2+7x+5

First notice that 2-7+5 = 0, so f(-1) = 0, so (x+1) is a factor of f(x)

The remaining factor must be (2x+5) in order that the coefficient 2 of x^2 and the constant term 5 result:

2x^2+7x+5 = (2x+5)(x+1)

Putting it all together:

6x^3+21x^2+15x = 3x(2x+5)(x+1)