Question

Factor.


18x3 – 24x

A.
6x(3x2 – 4)

B.
3x(6x2 – 9)

C.
x(18x2 – 24)

D.
18x3 – 24x

Answer 1

To factor 18x^3-24x, all you have to do is find its common factor, also known as the Greatest Common Factor.
Both numbers have 2, 3, and x in common, which you can factor out so it would be 6x(3x^2-4). If you were to solve out 6x(3x^2-4) to get 18x^3-24x again, you'd multiply 6x with the two terms inside the parenthesis.
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You can also check your answer by simplifying the answer choices. Answer choice B is wrong because when you simplify, it ends up with 18x^3-27x. C is technically right, BUT you can also factor out the 6 to make it more accurate so it's still not the BEST answer. And D is not factored at all and since this equation is factorable, it is not the BEST answer choice.