Question

Factor completely. 3x^2-3x-18 HINT: Factor out the greatest common factor first.

Answer 1

3(x - 3)(x + 2)

Explanation:

take out a common factor of 3 from each term

= 3(x² - x - 6)

to factor the quadratic consider the factors of - 6 which sum to - 1

These are - 3 and + 2, hence

3x² - 3x - 18 = 3(x - 3)(x + 2) ← in factored form