Question

Factor each expression, if possible. Identify any special cases, such as the difference of squares or a perfect square trinomial xy-4y+2x-8

Answer 1

`xy-4y+2x-8 = (y + 2)(x-4)`

Explanation:

Given

`xy-4y+2x-8`

Required

Factor the expression

`xy-4y+2x-8`

Group the expression

`(xy-4y)+(2x-8)`

Factor each group

`y(x-4)+2(x-4)`

This gives:

`(y + 2)(x-4)`

Hence:

`xy-4y+2x-8 = (y + 2)(x-4)`