How do I factor (1x-4)(x-2) completely? Please explain! Will become a fan of the first person who replies.

Question

e.mccormick · Answer

Ummm... $(1x-4)(x-2)$.  That is factored.

anonymous · Answer

looks factored to me

anonymous · Answer

but maybe there is a typo, because one usually does not write 
$$1x$$

anonymous · Answer

1x = x

e.mccormick · Answer

Can you make sure of how it is supposed to look?  Use ^ for any powers, or use the equation editor.

hero · Answer

Maybe by factor completely, she means "expand" completely.

anonymous · Answer

If u want to exppand ,
Use the door-keeper method of wxpansion

anonymous · Answer

Wouldn't you have to set it equal to zero?

anonymous · Answer

You talking about quadratic equation

e.mccormick · Answer

No, that would be to find the zeros.  Factoring is just putting it into multiplicative form.  Let me see if I can find a good definition of factoring.

anonymous · Answer

I am not just getting what you want to say, you first post factor,
then you are saying about expansion ,
Then you say about setting it to zero
I am confused could you please clarify the textbook question

e.mccormick · Answer

"Finding what to multiply to get an expression. (Called Factorizing in British English.)" http://www.mathsisfun.com/definitions/factoring.html

anonymous · Answer

Anyways...apparently the correct answer is (3x - 2)(x + 4). The original problem is 3x^2+10x-8 in case any of you were wondering.

anonymous · Answer

clarify the question

e.mccormick · Answer

Ah, so you made a mistake in factoring.  Always good to show the original and ask if your answer is correct.

anonymous · Answer

@No.name This is the question-
 Which is the complete factorization of the trinomial 3x2 + 10x - 8?