Factoring 3x^2+6x+3 what was my mistake?
3(x^2 +2x +1)
3(x+1)(x+1)

Question

Factoring 3x^2+6x+3 what was my mistake?
                3(x^2 +2x +1)
                 3(x+1)(x+1)

mhchen · Answer

I don't see any mistakes.
The first step was a correct distribution
The second step is just factoring.

sterling234 · Answer

@mhchen The problem is i remember my teacher saying the signs cant be the same because of "difference of squares" or something

hockeychick23 · Answer

you factored it correctly, i think she just wants you to solve for x, so when you have 3(x+1)(x+1) I think she just wants you to say: x+1=0 so what would x have to be for x+1=0 to be true.

triciaal · Answer

verify if you copied the original problem correctly. what you posted is correct.

sterling234 · Answer

@hockeychick23  It doesn't say to solve just factor.

sterling234 · Answer

@triciaal  so the signs don't affect anything like you can't factor x^2+16 but you can factor x^2-16 can you explain why x^2+16 is prime

triciaal · Answer

why are you saying it's prime ?

triciaal · Answer

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