Question

factor (x+3)^2-(x+3)-56 completely.

Answer 1

do the parentheses first

Answer 2

or you can subsitute u = x+3
look at u^2 - u - 56

factor that - then put back the x+3 for the u

Answer 3

either way the answer is the same. so post what you got...

Answer 4

so would it be (u+7)(u-8) then replacing u with the (x+3) the answer should be (x+3+7)(x-3-8) ?

Answer 5

yes, now combing the numbers to simply - note the second set you put in x-3

getting
(x+10) (x-5)

Answer 6

oops I meant combining...