Question

What is the completely factored form of f(x) = x^3 – 2x^2 – 5x + 6?
f(x) = (x + 2)(x – 3)(x + 6)
f(x) = (x + 2)(x – 3)(x – 6)
f(x) = (x – 2)(x + 3)(x – 1)
f(x) = (x + 2)(x – 3)(x – 1)

Answer 1

I think its "b"?

Answer 2

if you multiply just the "numbers" part, that has to give you the "just numbers" part in
x^3 – 2x^2 – 5x + 6

(i.e. 6)

Answer 3

Because you already have four "answers", you don't have to do the actual factoring yourself.
You can find the right one by multiplying out every answer until you get f.
BUT: this is a lot of work.
Now look at the constants within the brackets. Multiplying them should give you 6, because that is the constant term of f.

You think "b" is right?
Let's check: 2*(-3)*(-6)=...

Answer 4

36?

Answer 5

@stuckalot f(x)=(x^3-x^2)+(-x^2-5x+6)

Answer 6

Yes, so it's not b! Try the other ones.