Question

Factor Completely: 8x^4 - 20x^3 - 12x^2

Answer 1

what is the highest number that goes into 8,20,and 12 ??

Answer 2

4 i think

Answer 3

yes...and what goes into x^4, x^3, and x^2 ?

Answer 4

let me rephrase that...what can be taken out of x^4, x^3 and x^2 ?

Answer 5

1 right?

Answer 6

no.....which is the smallest x ?

Answer 7

oh x^2

Answer 8

so we can factor out 4x^2

Answer 9

okay, how do you do that? I don't remember

Answer 10

4x^2(2x^2 - 5x - 3)

and if you multiply the 4x^2 through the parenthesis, you end up with the original problem : 8x^4 - 20x^3 - 12x^2)

Answer 11

Oh okay i remember learning that! But i can't remember what to do next? is that the answer?

Answer 12

no...it can be factored further...
4x^2(x - 3)(2x + 1)

Answer 13

wow, i didn't know that, i forgot that step

Answer 14

well...sometimes it can be factored more and sometimes it can't. This time it could.

Answer 15

oh okay, is that the final answer?

Answer 16

yes it is :)

Answer 17

Thank you soooo Much!! i have other questions i am going to post after i close this one that are identical that i need help on too!

Answer 18

no problem :)