Question

What is the factored form of 2x^2-200

Answer 1

Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

GCF = 2

Factor out the GCF (Write the GCF first. Then, in parentheses, divide each term by the GCF.)

2(2x^2/2 - 200/2)

Simplify each term in parenthesis

2(x^2 - 100)

Rewrite x^2 - 100 in the form; a^2 - b^2, where a = x and b = 10

2(x^2 - 10^2)

Use the Difference of Squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)

2(x + 10)(x - 10)

Answer 2

2 (x - 10) (x + 10)

Explanation:

Factor the following:

2 x^2 - 200

Factor 2 out of 2 x^2 - 200:

2 (x^2 - 100)

x^2 - 100 = x^2 - 10^2:

2 (x^2 - 10^2)

Factor the difference of two squares. x^2 - 10^2 = (x - 10) (x + 10):

Answer: 2 (x - 10) (x + 10)