How do you factor by grouping r(p^2 + 5) - s(p^2 + 5)?

1 Answer
Mar 14, 2018

The factored expression is (r-s)(p^2+5).

Explanation:

Imagine that the (p^2+5) terms are their own variable. It might actually be easier to do that for a few steps.

Substitute out (p^2+5) for u. Then, we can factor like we already know how to:

color(white)=r(p^2+5)-s(p^2+5)

=ru-su

=(r-s)*u

Now, put back in (p^2+5) for u (don't forget the paretheses):

color(white)=(r-s)*u

=(r-s)(p^2+5)

That's how you factor by grouping. Hope this helped!