Question

A polynomial has been factored below but some constants are missing. 2x^3-8x^2-24x=ax(x+b)(x+c)

Answer 1

a =2, b =2, and c = -6

Explanation:

We factor the polynomial and then see which value corresponds to what.

2x^3-8x^2-24x

As we see it, all terms are factorable by 2x. So if we take out 2x from every term, we get

2x(x^2 - 4x - 12)

Now we factor the quadratic, which we can do mentally to get

2x(x+2)(x-6)

ax(x+b)(x+c)

Comparing that to ax(x+b)(x+c), we can tell that a =2, b =2, and c = -6.

Answer 2

The polynomial is 2x^3 - 8x^2 - 24x

And we can factor out a 2x from each of the three terms:

2x(x^2 - 4x - 12)

Lastly, factor the remaining quadratic:

2x(x+(-2))(x+6)

And we have our answer:

a=2

b=-2

c=6

Let me know if this helps!