Question

PLEASE HELP: Factor completely:

Answer 1

\[x^2(2x+1)^3 - 4(2x+1)^2\]

Answer 2

They both have a common factor (2x+1)^2 that you can pull out the front:
\[\Large (2x+1)^2 (x^2(2x+1) - 4)\]

Now try distributing whats inside the right set of brackets.. this: \[\Large x^2(2x+1) - 4\] expand that out, and then see if you can factor it.

Answer 3

It becomes \[2x^3+x^2-4\]

How do I factor that?

Answer 4

It doesn't factor nicely, so your final answer would just be \[\Large (2x+1)^2 (2x^3 + x^2 -4)\]

Answer 5

Oh, thank you ^_^