Question

Factor: x^3-2x^2-8x

1. (x-4)(x+2)
2. x(x+4)(x-2)
3. x(x-4)(x+2)
4. (x-4)(x^2+2x)

Answer 1

x( x-4)(x+2)

Explanation:

x^3-2x^2-8x

First factor out the greatest common factor x

x( x^2 -2x -8)

What 2 numbers multiply to -8 and add to -2

-4*2 = -8

-4+2 = -2

x( x-4)(x+2)