Question

Andrew factored the expression -6x^3 + 9x^2 - 3x as -3x(2x^2 - 3x - 1). But when Melissa applied the distributive law and multiplied out -3x(2x^2 - 3x - 1) , she got -6x^3 + 9x^2 - 3x; thus, Andrew’s solution does not appear to check. Why is that? Please help Andrew to understand this better. Explain your reasoning and correctly factor the original expression, if possible. If the expression is prime, so state.

Answer 1

When he took out the -3x, he wrote the -3x as -1, and when you distribute, you will get positive x.

Answer 2

I need serious help with this one

Answer 3

you still there

Answer 4

Yep

Answer 5

can you help me please

Answer 6

i hate to beg but i am so begging

Answer 7

Sure, what do you need help with?

Answer 8

it wants me to correctly factor the correct problm and i am at a blank

Answer 9

how do i factor it and explain

Answer 10

ok uhh

Answer 11

-6x^3 + 9x^2 - 3x, the GCF is -3x, right? You can take -3x out of every number.

Answer 12

so he should have wrote it as 3x(2x^2 - 3x + 1)

Answer 13

yes

Answer 14

negative 3x

Answer 15

-3x(2x^2 - 3x + 1) thats how he should have wrote it

Answer 16

for some reason what you have typed disappeared off the scream

Answer 17

are you still there

Answer 18

I deleted it, i messed up. The GCF is -3x, so he should have written it as -3x(2x^2-3x+1)

Answer 19

ok

Answer 20

The reason being is if he did -3x(2x^2-3x-1), when you distribute, you'd get -6x^3+9x^2+3x

Answer 21

so because he distribute incorrectly the problem came out wrong

Answer 22

No, because when he took out the GCF he rewrote his problem incorrectly.

Answer 23

ok

Answer 24

now because you have redistributed correctly it safe to say its a prime expression