Question

Factor this polynomial expression. 3x2 - 12x + 12

Answer 1

3(x – 2)(x – 2)

Answer 2

(3x-6)(x-2)

Explanation:

To factor this expression, you should divide the 12x into parts.

3x - 6x - 6x +12 works,

so factor 3x^2 and -6x = 3x(x-2)

then factor 6x and 12 to match the first expression, -6(x-2).

Both expressions have (x-2) in common, so you can factor the two resulting expressions: (3x-6)(x-2).