Question

factor by grouping x^3-x^2-12x+12

Answer 1

Solve for x over the real numbers:
x^3-x^2-12 x+12 = 0
Factor the left hand side.
The left hand side factors into a product with two terms:
(x-1) (x^2-12) = 0
Solve each term in the product separately.
Split into two equations:
x-1 = 0 or x^2-12 = 0
Look at the first equation: Solve for x.
Add 1 to both sides:
x = 1 or x^2-12 = 0
Look at the second equation: Isolate terms with x to the left hand side.
Add 12 to both sides:
x = 1 or x^2 = 12
Eliminate the exponent on the left hand side.
Take the square root of both sides:
Answer: |
| x = 1 or x = 2 sqrt(3) or x = -2 sqrt(3)