Question

The most efficient first step in factoring 3x² - 15x - 18 is what?

O Factor out 3.
O Factor out (x + 1).
Factor out-1.
Factor out x.
IM

Answer 1

factor out 3

Explanation:

given

3x² - 15x - 18 ( factor out the common factor 3 from each term )

= 3(x² - 5x - 6) ← factorise the quadratic

= 3(x - 6)(x + 1) ← in factored form