Question

How do you factor `x^3-x^2+2x-2`?

Answer 1

`(x-1)(x^2+2)`

Explanation:

There are 4 terms, there is no common factor in all 4, so group them to make common factors. Make sure there is a + sign between the groups.

`x^3 - x^2 + 2x - 2 = (x^3 - x^2) + (2x - 2)`

=`x^2(x-1) + 2(x-1) larr` there is a common bracket.

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