How do you factor the trinomial #18a^2+48a+32#?
1 Answer
Nov 18, 2015
Explanation:
- First reduce it to the smallest terms
- They are all divisible by 2
16(last term) x 9(co-efficient of
-
Think of two numbers that
#rArr# When you multiply them = 144
#rArr# When you add them = 24 (co-efficient of#a# ) -
12 and 12
#rArr# 12 x 12 = 144
#rArr# 12 + 12 = 24 -
Replace the middle number with 12 and 12
#9a^2 + 12a + 12a + 16# -
Split the expression
#9a^2 + 12a----- | ----- + 12a + 16# -
Factorise the two
#3a(3a + 4) + 4(3a +4)# -
Common factors so group
#(3a + 4)(3a +4)#
- Remember we divided by 2
#rArr# #2(3a+4)^2#