How do you factor #x^3 -2x#?

1 Answer
Oct 6, 2015

#x(x+sqrt2)(x-sqrt2)#

Explanation:

First, check if there is a common factor that you can take out. In this expression, the common factor is #x#.

#x^3-2x#

#=x(x^2-2)#

You should be able to recognize that #x^2-2# is a special product (difference of two squares). So you can factor it further:

#x(x^2-2)#

#color(red)(=x(x+sqrt2)(x-sqrt2))#