Question

Determine which of the following is true for expression x^3+x^2-2x

A. The equation is prime

B. x can be factored from each term of the trinomial to obtain x(x^2+x-2),which is completely factored.

C. x can be factored from each term of the trinomial to obtain x(x^2+x-1), and the resulting trinomial can be factored to obtain x(x+2)(x+1), which is completely factored

D. The trinomial is equivalent to (x+2)(x-1)

Answer 1

D. The trinomial is equivalent to (x+2)(x-1)

Explanation:

1. Factor out the common term x:

= x(x^2+x-2)

2. Factor the equation:

= x(x - 1)(x + 2)

From this, we can see that because the equation was factorable, it is not prime. Option B is not completely factored, so it is incorrect. The final ordered pair shown in Option C is has (x + 1), when it should be (x - 1), so it is also incorrect. Option D is the true statement.