Question

Factor 4x^3+8x^2−12. what is the final answer

Answer 1

4(x-1)(x² + 3x + 3)

Explanation:

First get a common factor from the coefficients and factorise as shown below.

4(x³ + 2x² - 3)

Notice how 1 is a solution to the cubic equation:

Substitute 1 into the equation to get 4 + 8 - 12 = 0 (when equation is set to zero)

thus (x-1) is a factor.

4(x-1)(x² + 3x + 3)