Jose factored 27x2 + 48y2 using the following steps.

27x2 + 48y2 = 3(9x2 + 16y2)
= 3(3x + 4y)(3x − 4y)

Determine whether Jose factored this binomial correctly. If not, use complete sentences to explain what he did wrong and how he could check his factors for accuracy in the future.

Question

Jose factored 27x2 + 48y2 using the following steps.

27x2 + 48y2 = 3(9x2 + 16y2)
                   = 3(3x + 4y)(3x − 4y)

Determine whether Jose factored this binomial correctly. If not, use complete sentences to explain what he did wrong and how he could check his factors for accuracy in the future.

cwrw238 · Answer

that is incorrect

3(9x^2 + 16 y2)  cannot be factored as 2 binomials

what he wrote (3x - 4y)(3x + 4y) = 9x^2 - 16y^2

he can check his factors by working backwards  - expanding the terms in the brackets to see if he gets the original expression

cwrw238 · Answer

3 (x^2 + 16y^2) is as far as the factoring can go