Question

Factor out GCF and negative coefficient

Answer 1

The factored polynomial is: -16a⁶ + 12a⁵ - 4a⁴ = 4a⁴(-4a² + 3a -1)

To factor a negative number or a greatest common factor (GCF) with a negative coefficient from the polynomial
`\(-16a^6 + 12a^5 - 4a^4\)`, we can factor out the GCF, which is the largest common factor for all the terms.

In this case, the GCF for
`\(-16a^6\), \(12a^5\), and \(-4a^4\) is \(4a^4\)` because it is the largest power of a that divides each term.

So, factor out 4a⁴ from each term:

`\[ -16a^6 + 12a^5 - 4a^4 = 4a^4(-4a^2 + 3a - 1) \]`

Therefore,
`\(-16a^6 + 12a^5 - 4a^4\)` can be factored as
`\(4a^4(-4a^2 + 3a - 1)\)`.

Complete question:

Factor a negative number or a GCF with a negative coefficient from the polynomial -16a⁶ + 12a⁵ - 4a⁴.