Question

Some steps to rewrite the expression x3 − 4x + x2 − 4 as a product of three factors are shown below:

Step 1: x3 − 4x + x2 − 4
Step 2: x3 + x2 − 4x − 4
Step 3: x2(x + 1) − 4(x + 1)

Which of the following best shows the next two steps to rewrite the expression?

Step 4: (x2 − 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x − 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)
Step 4: (x2 + 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x + 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)
Step 4: (x2 − 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x + 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)
Step 4: (x2 + 4)(x + 1); Step 5: (x − 2)(x + 2)(x + 1)

Answer 1

what do you consider for step 4?

Answer 2

a or d @amistre64

Answer 3

there are no labels on those ...

Answer 4

if we factor out the common factor from step 3, what are we left with?

Answer 5

(x^2 + 4)(x+1)

Answer 6

hmm,

x^2(x+1) -4 (x^2+1)
^^^ ^^^

looks to me like we would be left with (x^2 -4), not the +4

Answer 7

oh srry

Answer 8

so a ?

Answer 9

now, how would you consider factoring that (x^2-4) ?

yes, since -2(2) = -4

Answer 10

ok could you chceck you one more for me?

Answer 11

in a minute, im almost done on another post. but go ahead and post it