Question

Lucas and Erick are factoring the polynomial

12x3 – 6x2 + 8x – 4. Lucas groups the polynomial (12x3 + 8x) + (–6x2 – 4) to factor. Erick groups the polynomial (12x3 – 6x2) + (8x – 4) to factor. Who correctly grouped the terms to factor? Explain.

Answer 1

Both students are correct because polynomials can be grouped in different ways to factor. Both ways result in a common binomial factor between the groups. Using the distributive property , this common binomial term can be factored out. Each grouping results in the same two binomial factors.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Both students are correct because polynomials can be grouped in different ways to factor. Both ways result in a common binomial factor between the groups. Using the distributive property , this common binomial term can be factored out. Each grouping results in the same two binomial factors.