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

Question

texaschic101 · Answer

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

anonymous · Answer

4 i think

texaschic101 · Answer

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

texaschic101 · Answer

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

anonymous · Answer

1 right?

texaschic101 · Answer

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

anonymous · Answer

oh x^2

texaschic101 · Answer

so we can factor out 4x^2

anonymous · Answer

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

texaschic101 · Answer

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)

anonymous · Answer

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

texaschic101 · Answer

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

anonymous · Answer

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

texaschic101 · Answer

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

anonymous · Answer

oh okay, is that the final answer?

texaschic101 · Answer

yes it is :)

anonymous · Answer

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!

texaschic101 · Answer

no problem :)