Question

Two students, Ann and Max, factored the trinomial 4x2 − 6x − 4. Ann factored it as 2(x − 2)(2x + 1) and Max factored it as (x − 2)(4x + 2). Indicate which student factored the trinomial completely and which student did not, and explain why.

Answer 1

I'm guessing you mean
4x^2 - 6x - 4

Simplifying 4x2 + -6x + -4

Reorder the terms: -4 + -6x + 4x2

Factor out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF), '2'.
2(-2 + -3x + 2x2)

Factor a trinomial. 2((-1 + -2x)(2 + -1x))

Final result:
2(-1 + -2x)(2 + -1x)

Ann is correct.