Question

Describe the steps you would use to factor 2x3 + 5x2 – 8x – 20 completely. Then state the factored form.

Answer 1

2x^3 + 5x^2 - 8x - 20 = x^2(2x + 5) - 4(2x + 5) = (x^2 - 4)(2x + 5) = (x - 2)(x + 2)(2x + 5)

Answer 2

Answer:Check for a greatest common factor.

There are four terms, so consider factoring by grouping, which yields

(2x +5)(x2 – 4).

Identify x2 – 4 as the difference of squares.

Factor completely as

(2x + 5)(x + 2)(x – 2).

Explanation: