Question

Some steps to rewrite the expression x3 - 16x + x2 - 16 as a product of three factors are shown below:
Step 1: x3 - 16x + x2 - 16
Step 2: x3 + x2 - 16x - 16
Step 3: x2(x + 1) - 16(x + 1)

Which of the following best shows the next two steps to rewrite the expression?
a. Step 4: (x2 + 16)(x + 1); Step 5: (x + 4)(x + 4)(x + 1)
b.Step 4: (x2 - 16)(x + 1); Step 5: (x + 4)(x + 4)(x + 1)
c.Step 4:(x2 - 16)(x + 1); Step 5: (x - 4)(x + 4)(x + 1)
d.Step 4: (x2 + 16)(x + 1); Step 5: (x - 4)(x + 4)(x + 1)

Answer 1

@misty1212

Answer 2

hmmm

Answer 3

it is very hard quetion

Answer 4

\[x^2(x+1)-16(x+1)\to (x^2-16)(x+1)\] would be a good first step

Answer 5

then factor \(x^2-16\)
it is the difference of two squares so it is \(x^2-16=(x+4)(x-4)\)

Answer 6

looks like it is C as usual \[c.Step 4:(x2 - 16)(x + 1); Step 5: (x - 4)(x + 4)(x + 1) \]