Question

Some steps to rewrite the expression x3 - 4x + x2 - 4 as a product of three factors are shown below:
Step 1: x3 - 4x + x2 - 4
Step 2: x3 + x2 - 4x - 4
Step 3: x2(x + 1) - 4(x + 1)

Which of the following best shows the next two steps to rewrite the expression?

a. Step 4: (x2 - 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x - 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)
b. Step 4: (x2 + 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x + 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)
c. Step 4: (x2 - 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x + 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)
d. Step 4: (x2 + 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x - 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)

Answer 1

can anyone help?