Question

Describe the steps you would use to factor

2x3 + 5x2 - 8x – 20 completely. Then state the
factored form.
DONE
Which important information did you include in your description? Check all of the boxes that apply

Answer 1

i think you meant " two x to the 3rd power" and "5x squared" if that's what you meant, 1. Factor out x^2 from the expression
2. Factor out -4 from the expression
3. Factor out 2x+5 from the expression
4. Use a^2-b^2= (a-b) (a-b) to factor the expression
and you'll get (2x+5) x (x-2) x (x+2)

If you meant 2 times 3 and 5 times 2 you would
1. multiply 2 times 3
2. multiply 5 times 2
3. then add 6+10
4. subtract 10-20
5. Factor out -4 from the expression
6. you get -4(1+2x)
(the picture is for the first one)