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Factor 3x^3 - 15x^2 + 18x.

A. 3x(x - 2)(x - 3)
B. 3(x^2 + 2)(x-3)
C. 3x(x + 2)(x-3)
D. 3(x^2 - 2)(x-3)

2 Answers

10 votes

Final Answer:

The correct factorization of
\(3x^3 - 15x^2 + 18x\) is option C:
\(3x(x + 2)(x - 3)\).

Step-by-step explanation:

To factor the given expression
\(3x^3 - 15x^2 + 18x\), we can start by factoring out the common factor, which is 3x. When we factor out 3x, we get:


\[3x(x^2 - 5x + 6)\]

Now, we need to factor the quadratic expression
\(x^2 - 5x + 6\). This quadratic can be factored into
\((x - 2)(x - 3)\). So, the complete factorization is:


\[3x(x - 2)(x - 3)\]

This matches with option C:
\(3x(x + 2)(x - 3)\), confirming that option C is the correct factorization. Each factor corresponds to a root of the original polynomial, and when multiplied, they reconstruct the original expression. Therefore, option C accurately represents the factorization of
\(3x^3 - 15x^2 + 18x\).

In conclusion, factorizing a polynomial involves identifying and factoring out common terms and then factoring any remaining quadratic expressions. The factorization provided in option C aligns with this process and correctly represents the given polynomial.

User ParmuTownley
by
3.9k points
7 votes

Step-by-step explanation:

3 x^3-15x^2+18x 3(x^3-5x^2+6x)

User Matthew Mullin
by
4.1k points