Question

Please show me step by step how to factor this

Answer 1

\[x ^{3}-3x ^{2}-4x+12\]

Answer 2

1, -1, 2, -2, 3 ,-3, 4, -4, 6, -6, 12 and -12 are all factors of 12. Do check and guess by plugging in each factor until you have one that equals zero. In this case, if you plug 2 into this equation, you get...
\[(2)^3-3(2)^2-4(2)+12=8-12-8+12=0\]

Answer 3

That means x=2, or x-2=0

Answer 4

(x -3)(x + 2)(x - 2)
This is the answer..i need to know how I ca arrive here

Answer 5

Then do...
\[x^3-3x^2-4x+12 \div x-2\]

Answer 6

and from there you'll have a polynomial that is easily factored

Answer 7

oooh...ok. I get what you are saying.

Answer 8

thanks!

Answer 9

No problem!