Question

Mia is factoring the polynomial

x^2+4x−12. She uses the steps shown.

x^2+4x−12
Step 1
x^2+6x−2x−12
Step 2
(x^2+6x)−(2x+12)
Step 3
x(x+6)−2(x+6)
Step 4
(x+6)(x+2)
In which step did Mia make an error?

Answer 1

Step 4

Explanation:

Mia made a mistake in step 4.

Step3: x(x + 6) -2(x + 6)

In both terms, (x + 6) is common.

Step 4: When we take (x + 6) out, it will be (x + 6 ) (x - 2)