what is the expression in factored form?
2x^2+16x+24

Question

what is the expression in factored form? 
2x^2+16x+24

anonymous · Answer

I started it but got confused

anonymous · Answer

Lets first divide the equation by 2 I mean each term by 2 and see what we get to

anonymous · Answer

can u do that?

anonymous · Answer

I got x+8x+12

anonymous · Answer

Right now what are the factors of 12 whose sum is 8 :)

anonymous · Answer

6 and 2

mathmale · Answer

Actually, dividing the EXPRESSION (not equation) by 2 is a fine way to start; 2 is one of the three factors of this EXPRESSION.  ganibl is right on target.  So are you, thtshortchick!

anonymous · Answer

yes so its simple now it is  x + 6x + 2x + 12

x(x + 6) + 2 (x + 6)
(x + 6)(x + 2)

anonymous · Answer

how did you get x(x+6)+2(x+6) though?

anonymous · Answer

I took out x common from first two terms and 2 common from next two terms

anonymous · Answer

and then you used the distributive prop. to get (x+6)(x+2) ?

mathmale · Answer

I think a better way of answering thtshortchick's question is that you, ganibl, factored out the common FACTOR (x+6).  You'd check your algebra using the distributive property, but you wouldn't factor using that property.  Don't forget the third factor (2).

anonymous · Answer

Its like we pull out common term (x + 6) from both as @mathmale described

anonymous · Answer

alright, I think I understand now. Thank you guys for helping.