Question

Factor completely 12m^2-3

Answer 1

3 is a common factor
12m^2 - 3 = 3(4m^2 - 1)
but the bracket contains the difference between two squares
= 3(2m - 1)(2m + 1)

Answer 2

3 ( 2m-1)(2m+1)

Explanation:

12m^2-3

Factor out the 3

3( 4m^2 -1)

3 ( ( 2m)^2 - 1^2)

Using the difference of squares ( a^2 - b^2) = ( a-b) (a+b)

3 ( 2m-1)(2m+1)