Question

factor by grouping.assume any variable exponents represent whole numbers. x^3+ax^2-3x-12

Answer 1

Is the coefficient of x^2 'a' ?

x^3 + ax^2 - 3x - 12 = (x^3 + ax^2) - (3x + 12) =
x^2(x + a) - 3(x + 4)

I am not sure if this is what they want.