Question

How do you factor this polynomial?
Ex. f(x)=x^3-x^2+16x-16

Answer 1

Factor by grouping: make f(x)=0
(x^3-x^2)+(16x-16) = 0

Find the GCF of each group and take it outside the parenthesis:
x^2(x-1)+16(x-1)=0
Factors: (x^2+16)(x-1)=0

Use the Zero Factor Property to find x terms: ab=0, if a=0 or b=0
x^2+16=0 x-1=0
x^2=-16 x = 1
Do the square root of both sides
\[x=\pm \sqrt{-16}\]
\[x=\pm4i\]

Answer 2

Do you have any questions?

Answer 3

No I understand it, thank you.