Final answer:
The polynomial -15x² - 12x is factored by finding the GCF, which is -3x, and the factored form is -3x(5x + 4), corresponding to answer choice B.
Step-by-step explanation:
To factor out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) from the polynomial -15x² - 12x, we must first determine the GCF of the coefficients and the variables.
In this case, the GCF of the coefficients 15 and 12 is 3, and since the polynomial has the variable x in each term with the least power being x, that is also part of our GCF. Therefore, the GCF is -3x. To factor out the GCF, we divide each term of the polynomial by -3x:
- -15x² / -3x = 5x
- -12x / -3x = 4
Putting it all together, we have:
-3x(5x + 4)
This corresponds to answer choice B: -3x(5x + 4). Remember that factoring out the GCF is like distributing in reverse; you're looking for the expression that you could multiply by the GCF to get back the original polynomial.