How do you factor y=x^3-x^2-4x+4 ?

1 Answer
Dec 13, 2015

y= (x-2)(x+2)(x-1)

Explanation:

Set the equation equal to zero

x^3 -x^2 -4x + 4 = y

Group

(x^3-x^2 ) + (-4x +4) = y

Factor the greatest common from each group

=>x^2(x-1) -4(x-1)= y

Factor out the greatest common factor from the expression

=>(x^2-4)(x-1) = y

Factor the difference of square (a^2-b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)

=>(x-2)(x+2)(x-1)= y